In the learned journal, in the influential newspaper, I discern no form; only some irresponsible shadow; oftener some monied corporation, or some dangler, who hopes, in the mask and robes of his paragraph, to pass for somebody. But through every clause and part of speech of the right book I meet the eyes of the most determined men; his force and terror inundate every word: the commas and dashes are alive; so that the writing is athletic and nimble,--can go far and live long.
Ralph Waldo EmersonThe antidote to this abuse of formal Government, is, the influence of private character, the growth of the Individual.
Ralph Waldo EmersonTo eat bread is one thing; to love the precepts of Christ and resolve to obey them is quite another.
Ralph Waldo EmersonI wish the days to be as centuries, loaded, fragrant. Now we reckon them as bank-days, by some debt which is to be paid us, or which we are to pay, or some pleasure we are to taste.
Ralph Waldo EmersonGood bye, proud world! I'm going home; Thou art not my friend, and I'm not thine
Ralph Waldo EmersonIn the history of the individual is always an account of his condition, and he knows himself to be a party to his present estate.
Ralph Waldo EmersonThe stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never wears a mean appearance. Neither does the wisest man extort her secret, and lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection. Nature never became a toy to a wise spirit. The flowers, the animals, the mountains, reflected the wisdom of his best hour, as much as they had delighted the simplicity of his childhood.
Ralph Waldo Emerson