“Truth is our element of life, yet if a man fasten his attention on a single aspect of truth, and apply himself to that alone for a long time, the truth becomes distorted and not itself, but falsehood.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Intellect (Primary source)
In Intellect, Emerson distinguishes between Understanding (logical thought) and Reason (intuitive insight). He argues that true knowledge and spiritual apprehension come from cultivating Reason, enabling the mind to grasp universal truths beyond mere facts or analysis.
“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 →
“Don’t ever get angry at a man for stating the truth.”
— Ayn Rand Primary source“Never underestimate the man who overestimates himself.”
— Charlie Munger Primary source“Are you a communist?”
“No, I am an anti-fascist.”
“For a long time?”
“Since I have understood fascism.”
“A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source