Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our strength grows out of our weakness.

Nature has made up her mind that what cannot defend itself shall not be defended.

The best efforts of a fine person is felt after we have left their presence.

Envy is the tax which all distinction must pay.

The results of life are uncalculated and uncalculable. The years teach much which the days never know. The persons who compose our company, converse, and come and go, and design and execute many things, and somewhat comes of it all, but an unlooked for result. The individual is always mistaken. He designed many things, and drew in other persons as coadjutors, quarrelled with some or all, blundered much, and something is done; all are a little advanced, but the individual is always mistaken. It turns out somewhat new, and very unlike what he promised himself.

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

And you know, there’s less charm in life when you think about death–but it’s more peaceful.

I don’t think I’ve made mistakes. Every time somebody said I made a mistake, they do the polls and my numbers go up, so I guess I haven’t made any mistakes.

But to do for the world more than the world does for you, that is Success.

Children have helped me a lot.

If the world comes to an end, I want to be in Cincinnati. Everything comes there ten years later.

What a guy, what a fool am I, to think my breaking heart could kid the moon.

How I wish that somewhere there existed an island for those who are wise and of good will.

Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered – either by themselves or by others.

If we knew the meaning to everything that is happening to us, then there would be no meaning.

Warm summer sun, shine kindly here. Warm southern wind, blow softly here. Green sod above, lie light, lie light. Good night, dear Heart, Good night, good night.

Let us not, however, upon this account rashly conclude that she is capable of supporting any burden, nor even be too confident that she could support, without great distress, a burden a little greater than what has already been laid upon her.

I cannot discover that anyone knows enough to say what is and what is definitely not possible.

When you doubt the brilliance of your shine, I will take you through my darkness. I will show you where you shine the brightest.

There ain’t no freedom when you’ve got a worrying mind.

It is bad luck to be superstitious.