“Good criticism is very rare, and always precious.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Culture (Primary source)
In Culture, Emerson argues that true education involves the harmonious development of all human faculties—intellectual, moral, and aesthetic. It’s about cultivating the whole individual to achieve self-mastery and live a rich, authentic life, rather than merely accumulating facts.
“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 →
“The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“A good example is the best sermon.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source