The world of men show like a comedy without laughter: populations, interests, government, history; 't is all toy figures in a toyhouse.
Ralph Waldo EmersonConservatism makes no poetry, breathes no prayer, has no invention; it is all memory. Reform has no gratitude, no prudence, no husbandry.
Ralph Waldo EmersonOur globe discovers its bidden virtues, not only in heroes and arch-angels, but in gossips and nurses.
Ralph Waldo EmersonWe lie in the lap of immense intelligence, which makes us receivers of its truth and organ of its activity. When we discern justice, when we discern truth, we do nothing by ourselves, but allow a passage to its beams. If we ask whence this comes, if we seek to pry into the soul that causes, all philosophy is at fault. Its presence or its absence is all we can affirm.
Ralph Waldo EmersonLife is in short cycles or periods; we are quickly tired, but we have rapid rallies. A man is spent by his work, starved, prostrate; he will not lift his hand to save his life; he can never think more. He sinks into deep sleep and wakes with renewed youth, with hope, courage, fertile in resources, and keen for daring adventure.
Ralph Waldo Emerson