The state of society is one in which the members have suffered amputation from the trunk, and strut about so many walking monsters,—a good finger, a neck, a stomach, an elbow, but never a man.
Ralph Waldo EmersonPut God in your debt. Every stroke shall be repaid. The longer the payment is with-held, the better for you; for compound interest on compound interest is the rate and usage of this exchequer.
Ralph Waldo EmersonThe crime which bankrupts men and nations is that of turning aside from one's main purpose to serve a job here and there.
Ralph Waldo EmersonNothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.
Ralph Waldo EmersonIf a man knows the law, find out, though he live in a pine shanty, and resort to him. And if a man can pipe or sing, so as to wrap the imprisoned soul in an elysium; or can paint a landscape, and convey into souls and ochres all the enchantments of Spring or Autumn; or can liberate and intoxicate all people who hear him with delicious songs and verses; it is certain that the secret cannot be kept; the first witness tells it to a second, and men go by fives and tens and fifties to his doors.
Ralph Waldo Emerson