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Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes

    “The future is only an illusion inferred from our present state. What is important is not the length of life, but the depth of life. What is most important is not to make life longer, but to take your soul out of time, as every sublime act does. Only then does your life become fulfilled. And do not ask yourself questions about time. Jesus did not explain a thing about the eternity of life, but his influence brought people to the eternal.”

    Ralph Waldo Emerson, via A Calendar of Wisdom (Page 345)

      “The joy of your spirit is the indication of your strength.”

      Ralph Waldo Emerson, via A Calendar of Wisdom (Page 164)

        “People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.”

        Ralph Waldo Emerson, via Sunbeams (Page 148)

          “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

          Ralph Waldo Emerson, via Sunbeams (Page 125)

            “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”

            Ralph Waldo Emerson, via The Daily Stoic (Page 127)

              “A low self-love in the parent desires that his child should repeat his character and fortune. I suffer whenever I see that common sight of a parent or senior imposing his opinion and way of thinking and being on a young soul to which he is totally unfit. Cannot we let people be themselves, and enjoy life in their own way? You are trying to make another you. One’s enough.”

              Ralph Waldo Emerson, Sunbeams (Page 21)

                “Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts.  The only true gift is a portion of thyself.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

                  “The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

                    “Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

                      “He who is in love is wise and is becoming wiser, sees newly every time he looks at the object beloved, drawing from it with his eyes and his mind those virtues which it possesses.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

                        “I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

                          “This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

                            “No change in circumstances can repair a defect of character.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

                              “To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same fields, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson