“Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friendship (Primary source)
Emerson’s Friendship, a seminal text on the topic, explores true companionship as a sacred bond rooted in mutual respect, integrity, and spiritual growth. It argues genuine friendship requires self-reliance and honesty, elevating individuals to their highest selves.
“The law of nature is, do the thing, and you shall have the power: but they who do not the thing have not the power.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The years teach much which the days never know.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Let him think I am more man than I am and I will be so.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“Threats alone are the weapons of the threatened man.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source“If a man owns land, the land owns him.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Disputed