“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 (verified)
Civilization (Primary source)
In his essay, Civilization, Emerson explores the progress of human society, arguing that true civilization is measured not by material advancements, but by the moral and intellectual development of its individuals. He emphasizes the importance of ideas and character over external comforts.
“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (verified)“In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (verified)“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 (verified)“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (verified)More quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Threats alone are the weapons of the threatened man.”
— Leonardo da Vinci (verified)“My God what would a man do with a woman like that except worship her?”
— Ernest Hemingway (verified)“If a man owns land, the land owns him.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (verified)“A fine genius in his own country, is like gold in the mine.”
— Benjamin Franklin (verified)