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.
“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 source“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“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 sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“My God what would a man do with a woman like that except worship her?”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Disputed“But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source