Circles (Primary source)
In this essay, Emerson discusses the idea that everything in life is constantly expanding and evolving, like concentric circles. It emphasizes the fluid and ever-changing nature of truth and knowledge.
“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.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.”
— Helen Keller Primary source“Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.”
— Winston Churchill Primary source“Nothing is beneath you, if it is in the direction of your life: nothing is great or desirable, if it is off from that.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source