“In a library we are surrounded by many hundreds of dear friends, but they are imprisoned by an enchanter in these paper and leathern boxes; and though they know us, and have been waiting two, ten, or twenty centuries for us.”
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“It was for beauty that the world was made.”
— 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 →
“People often overestimate what will happen in the next two years and underestimate what will happen in ten.”
— Bill Gates Primary source“Understanding is a two-way street.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt Disputed“I may not be as strong as I think. But I know many tricks and I have resolution.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“We talk of choosing our friends, but friends are self-elected.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source