In the great books of India, an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence, which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the questions that exercise us.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the profound wisdom found in ancient Indian literature, suggesting it addresses enduring human questions with depth and clarity.
Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights the significance of India's great literary works, portraying them as a voice of an ancient intelligence that grapples with profound philosophical questions. He suggests that these texts offer timeless insights into human existence, reflecting larger truths that transcend their historical and cultural contexts, thereby providing readers with guidance and perspective on the complexities of life.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of literature in understanding culture, one might reference Emerson's insights.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
A man's shortcomings are taken from his epoch; his virtues and greatness belong to himself.
The thing that will make the biggest difference to your business, your bank account, your health and your relationships in the next 12 months is your philosophy
I thought you were sane," I said, "but you're just as crazy as the rest of them.
It is in the movements of emotional crisis that human beings reveal themselves most accurately.
America is the wealthiest nation on Earth, but its people are mainly poor, and poor Americans are urged to hate themselves... It is in fact a crime for an American to be poor, even though America is a nation of poor. Every other nation has folk traditions of men who were poor but extremely wise and virtuous, and therefore more estimable than anyone with power and gold. No such tales are told by American poor. They mock themselves and glorify their betters.
There is no slave but the creature that wills against its Creator.
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