“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
New England Reformers (Primary source)
In New England Reformers, Emerson critiques the myriad social movements of his time. He argues that genuine, lasting reform must stem from an individual’s inner spiritual and moral transformation, rather than external, superficial changes or collective efforts.
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“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 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 source“In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“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“Well done is better than well said.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Ask advice of him who governs himself well.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source“Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source