The purpose of life seems to be to acquaint a man with himself and whatever science or art or course of action he engages in reacts upon and illuminates the recesses of his own mind. Thus friends seem to be only mirrors to draw out and explain to us ourselves; and that which draws us nearer our fellow man, is, that the deep Heart in one, answers the deep Heart in another, - that we find we have (a common Nature) - one life which runs through all individuals, and which is indeed Divine.
Ralph Waldo EmersonOur housekeeping is mendicant, our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion we have not chosen but society has chosen for us.
Ralph Waldo EmersonCourage charms us, because it indicates that a man loves an idea better than all things in the world, that he is thinking neither of his bed, nor his dinner, nor his money, but will venture all to put in act the invisible thought of his mind.
Ralph Waldo EmersonWe boast our emancipation from many superstitions; but if we have broken any idols, it is through a transfer of idolatry.
Ralph Waldo Emerson