“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.
“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“It was for beauty that the world was made.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops—no, but the kind of man the country turns out.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson 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