“Our spontaneous action is always the best.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Intellect (Primary source)
In Intellect, Emerson distinguishes between Understanding (logical thought) and Reason (intuitive insight). He argues that true knowledge and spiritual apprehension come from cultivating Reason, enabling the mind to grasp universal truths beyond mere facts or analysis.
“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“It was for beauty that the world was made.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops—no, but the kind of man the country turns out.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Be always ashamed to catch thyself idle.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“I am always in love.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“Fear always springs from ignorance.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source