Friendship (Primary source)
Emerson’s Friendship, a seminal text on the topic, explores true companionship as a sacred bond rooted in mutual respect, integrity, and spiritual growth. It argues genuine friendship requires self-reliance and honesty, elevating individuals to their highest selves.
“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 →
“Where there’s no law, there’s no bread.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Today is yesterday’s pupil.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Who will let you? That’s not the point. The point is, who will stop me?”
— Ayn Rand Primary source“Never spend your money before you have it.”
— Thomas Jefferson Primary source