Ralph Waldo Emerson

Transcendentalism Emerson would start

out as a Unitarian minister, but would soon move away from it, as he could no longer teach in good conscience many of the things believed by ordinary Christians.

Biography Standing by

Emerson’s grave Walt Whitman noted: A just man, poised on himself, all-loving, all-inclosing, and sane and clear as the sun.”

Emerson’s Essays: History “The student is to

read history actively and not passively; to esteem his own life the text, and books the commentary. He should see that he can live all history in his own person.”

Emerson’s Essays: Compensation “But for every

benefit which you receive, a tax is levied. He is great who confers the most benefits. He is base to receive favors and render none.”

Emerson’s Essays: Friendship “Every man alone is

sincere. At the entrance of a second person hypocrisy begins. A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.”

Emerson’s Essays: Heroism “The essence of

greatness is the perception that virtue is enough.”

Emerson’s Essays: The Over-Soul

“The philosophy of six thousand years has not searched the chambers and magazines of the soul. Man is a stream whose source is hidden.”

Emerson’s Essays: Self-Reliance “We but half express

ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents.”

Emerson’s Essays: Self-Reliance

No law can be sacred to me but that of my nature. I am ashamed to think how easily we capitulate to badges and names, to large societies and dead institutions.”

Emerson’s Essays: Self-Reliance “We must go alone. I

like the silent church before the service begins better than any preaching.”