Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do the thing we fear, and the death of fear is certain.

Conversation is an art in which a man has all mankind for competitors.

For every benefit you receive a tax is levied.

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.

Who you are speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.

The triumphs of peace have been in some proximity to war. Whilst the hand was still familiar with the sword-hilt, whilst the habits of the camp were still visible in the port and complexion of the gentleman, his intellectual power culminated; the compression and tension of these stern conditions is a training for the finest and softest arts, and can rarely be compensated in tranquil times, except by some analogous vigor drawn from occupations as hardy as war.

Men use thought only as authority for their injustice, and employ speech only to conceal their thoughts.

Absolutely speaking, Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you is by no means a golden rule, but the best of current silver. An honest man would have but little occasion for it. It is golden not to have any rule at all in such a case.

Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be.

I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation.

Good breeding, a union of kindness and independence.

What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined – to strengthen each other – to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.

Subordination tends greatly to human happiness. Were we all upon an equality, we should have no other enjoyment than mere animal pleasure.

I never desire to converse with a man who has written more than he has read.

Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.

There are thousands hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.

Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.

Without passion, you don’t have energy. Without energy, you have nothing.

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.

We are as much informed of a writer’s genius by what he selects as by what he originates.

Standing beneath this immense, bejeweled, star-spangled dome, breathing in its life, boundaries fall away, possibilities open up and my wings unfold. And I thought that you were the one who was the angel.