“I visit occasionally the Cambridge Library, and I can seldom go there without renewing the conviction that the best of it all is already within the four walls of my study at home.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Books (Primary source)
In Books, Emerson emphasizes that books are for inspiration, not mere imitation. He urges readers to engage actively with texts, using them to stimulate original thought and self-discovery, rather than passively accepting others’ wisdom.
“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— 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 source“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“A good example is the best sermon.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“No gains without pains.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Without justice courage is weak.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary sourceLibrary Books Quality Cambridge