“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
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 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 source“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.”
— Henry David Thoreau Primary source“My God what would a man do with a woman like that except worship her?”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“Let him think I am more man than I am and I will be so.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“Where there is shouting, there is no true knowledge.”
— Leonardo da Vinci DisputedCivilization Integrity Virtue Politics