“In comparing the number of good books with the shortness of life, many might well be read by proxy, if we had good proxies.”
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“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“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book.”
— Henry David Thoreau Primary source“Life is our dictionary.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.”
— Jack London Disputed“I do not hesitate to read all the books I have named, and all good books, in translations. What is really best in any book is translatable—any real insight or broad human sentiment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source