Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beauty is the pilot of the young soul.

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.

One lesson we learn early, that in spite of seeming difference, men are all of one pattern. We readily assume this with our mates, and are disappointed and angry if we find that we are premature, and that their watches are slower than ours. In fact, the only sin which we never forgive in each other is difference of opinion.

Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.

The fatal trait of the times is the divorce between religion and morality.

When we direct our thoughts properly, we can control our emotions…

Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.

In heaven an angel is no one in particular.

Nothing goes by luck in composition. It allows of no tricks. The best you can write will be the best you are.

Give me insight into today and you may have the antique and future worlds.

A sage is the instructor of a hundred ages.

Nothing is so good as it seems beforehand.

Nothing external to you has any power over you.

In the stillness of the mind I saw myself as I am – unbound.

Goodness is the only investment which never fails.

If we are but sure the end is right, we are too apt to gallop over all bounds to compass it; not considering the lawful ends may be very unlawfully attained.

Undeservedly you will atone for the sins of your fathers.

In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way.

As long as our civilization is essentially one of property, of fences, of exclusiveness, it will be mocked by delusions. Our riches will leave us sick; there will be bitterness in our laughter; and our wine will burn our mouth. Only that good profits, which we can taste with all doors open, and which serves all men.

It takes two to speak truth – one to speak, and another to hear.