This opening line establishes the central metaphor of the essay, illustrating how perception itself begins a process of expansion.
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 →
“The second vice is lying; the first is running in debt.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“The first wealth is health.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source“Without justice courage is weak.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source