Some men's words I remember so well that I must often use them to express my thought. Yes, because I perceive that we have heard the same truth, but they have heard it better.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the importance of valuing the words of others who articulate truths more effectively.
Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects on how the wisdom of certain individuals resonates with him so deeply that he finds himself quoting them to convey his own thoughts. This suggests that while we may understand certain truths, others may express them in ways that are clearer or more impactful, emphasizing the value of effective communication and shared understanding of wisdom.
In practice
In a discussion about great thinkers, you could quote Emerson to illustrate the power of eloquent expression.
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?
We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention.
Great persons are able to do great kindnesses.
Tell others about the truth that sets you free.
When an archer is shooting for nothing, he has all his skill. If he shoots for a brass buckle, he is already nervous. If he shoots for a prize of gold, he goes blind or sees two targets - He is out of his mind! His skill has not changed. But the prize divides him. He cares. He thinks more of winning than of shooting- And the need to win drains him of power.
Wit consists in knowing the resemblance of things that differ, and the difference of things that are alike.
When I was growing up, my mother, who had been through a lot of terrible things in life, taught me that when life is tough your instinct is to close your heart. But if you can accept what happened and reach out to someone, there will always be someone less fortunate, or someone that can bring a solution and help your life.
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