Old Age (Primary source)
In Old Age, Emerson reflects on the dignity and wisdom that can accompany aging. He argues that true value in later life comes from continued intellectual and moral growth, embracing experience, and maintaining an active spirit, rather than dwelling on physical decline.
“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 →
“Do not do that which you would not have known.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“All our knowledge has its origin in our perceptions.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source“I lay no claim to advancing scientific data other than advancing flying knowledge. I can only say that I do it because I want to.”
— Amelia Earhart Disputed“The true method of knowledge is experiment.”
— William Blake Primary source