Nature (Primary source)
This is considered Emerson’s foundational text and the cornerstone of American Transcendentalism. In it, he outlines his philosophy of nature as a source of spiritual insight and a mirror to the human soul. It calls for an original relation to the universe and a rejection of traditional ways of understanding the world.
“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The years teach much which the days never know.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“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“I am always in love.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“The imagination of nature is far, far greater than the imagination of man.”
— Richard Feynman Primary source“Our spontaneous action is always the best.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source