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RALPH WALDO EMERSON QUOTES

Choose a favourite famous Ralph Waldo Emerson quote

Ralph Waldo EmersonWe often quote from this wise man Ralph Waldo Emerson on a wide variety of topics. This philosopher and eloquent essayist and speaker is an all-time favourite of ours. Born in Boston in 1803, he experienced illness and poverty as a child and young man, and really struggled hard to put himself through university. His father, a Unitarian minister, died when he was only 8 leaving his mother to raise five sons including a mentally disabled brother. Emerson, who became a distinguished poet, writer and lecturer, graduated from Harvard University at the age of eighteen. After a brief career as a Unitarian minister he spent the remainder of his life as a teacher, writer and lecturer.

In an age when speaking engagements were very popular, Emerson drew large crowds to hear his controversial views. Even in those days a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote or any of the essential writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, were widely perused and discussed, both in America and Britain.

In 1835, Emerson was part of a group of idealist intellectuals who were frustrated with the general state of American culture and society of the time. They formed the Transcendental Club which gave rise to Transcendentalism.

Emerson died in 1882.

As a teenager I first read this piece and began my lifelong admiration of this man.

A Successful life

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -

Stimulate your mind and soul with a Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

  • As an advanced thinker of his time, Emerson’s words are still challenging and provoking today.
  • You can find a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson from his many areas of interest and scholarship.
  • “Hitch your wagon to a star." Is a well-known quote by Emerson, though it is not well-know that he said it…….
  • You will find a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson on love, immortality, social behaviour, friendship, natural laws, self-reliance, prudence, art, politics, ..…the list goes on and on.
  • Emerson was immensely interested in, and delivered many speeches on the Abolition of Slavery.
  • We think many a Ralph Waldo Emerson Poem is romantic and soulful.

Our Top Ten Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes:

1. “To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
3. “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
4. “A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. “The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
6. “Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
7. ”The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
8. “Don't say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
9. “It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, — "Always do what you are afraid to do." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
10. “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, — that is genius." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our Ralph Waldo Emerson Tip

To rouse your grey matter today, to challenge your mind, to stir up your thoughts, to get yourself going (get the idea?), read a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote.

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