“The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary figure is repeated without end.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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 years teach much which the days never know.”
— 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 →
“Necessity is the mistress and guide of nature.”
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— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”
— Benjamin Franklin 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