“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.
“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“It was for beauty that the world was made.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“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 Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“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“Truth was the only daughter of Time.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source“I think a life properly lived is just learn, learn, learn all the time.”
— Charlie Munger Primary source