Ralph Waldo Emerson

Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. The virtue in most request is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and customs.

The mark of the man of the world is absence of pretension. He does not make a speech; he takes a low business-tone, avoids all brag, is nobody, dresses plainly, promises not at all, performs much, speaks in monosyllables, hugs his fact. He calls his employment by its lowest name, and so takes from evil tongues their sharpest weapon. His conversation clings to the weather and the news, yet he allows himself to be surprised into thought, and the unlocking of his learning and philosophy.

As there is a use in medicine for poisons, so the world cannot move without rogues.

Pictures must not be too picturesque.

If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap, than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.

There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.

One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself, and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.

Gratitude is a debt which usually goes on accumulating like blackmail; the more you pay, the more is exacted. In time, you are made to realize that the kindness done you is become a curse and you wish it had not happened.

My emancipation don’t fit your equation.

Few sinners are saved after the first twenty minutes of a sermon.

He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator.

As the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training, so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.

The vanity of being known to be trusted with a secret is generally one of the chief motives to disclose it.

We have a lot of anxieties, and one cancels out another very often.

Respect the child. Be not too much his parent. Trespass not on his solitude.

If you injure your neighbour, better not do it by halves.

The measure of a great leader, is their success in bringing everyone around to their opinion twenty years later.

The perception of beauty is a moral test.

Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party.

He presents me with what is always an acceptable gift who brings me news of a great thought before unknown. He enriches me without impoverishing himself.

Ahh, that mountain of self-discovery. Every time you have reached the summit, the clouds clear and you see there is still a ways to go. Don’t look up with thoughts of despair; thinking how much further do I have to go?! Take a moment and look back to see how far you have come. Don’t lose sight of your accomplishments, and focus on the continued commitment to self-discovery and development.