“Men are conservatives when they are least vigorous, or when they are most luxurious. They are conservatives after dinner, or before taking their rest; when they are sick, or aged: in the morning, or when their intellect or their conscience have been aroused, when they hear music, or when they read poetry, they are radicals.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
New England Reformers (Primary source)
In New England Reformers, Emerson critiques the myriad social movements of his time. He argues that genuine, lasting reform must stem from an individual’s inner spiritual and moral transformation, rather than external, superficial changes or collective efforts.
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“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.”
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“Men who hesitate never succeed in their undertakings.”
— Napoleon Bonaparte Disputed“Hold your council before dinner; the full belly hates thinking as well as acting.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“The muses love the morning.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Art is a jealous mistress, and, if a man have a genius for painting, poetry, music, architecture, or philosophy, he makes a bad husband, and an ill provider.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source