Beauty (Primary source)
In Beauty, Emerson explores how beauty in nature and art reflects a deeper spiritual truth and moral order. He argues that true beauty is not just aesthetic pleasure but a manifestation of the divine, elevating the soul and inspiring virtue.
“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 →
“All things are easy to industry, all things difficult to sloth.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“A life of leisure, and a life of laziness, are two things.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Take things always by their smooth handle.”
— Thomas Jefferson Primary source“When you speak to a man, look on his eyes; when he speaks to thee, look on his mouth.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source