The search after the great men is the dream of youth, and the most serious occupation of manhood.
Interpretation
The pursuit of greatness is a youthful aspiration that becomes a profound commitment in adulthood.
In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects on the journey of an individual's life, suggesting that the youthful desire to seek out greatness is not merely a fleeting dream but evolves into a significant and serious endeavor during manhood. This search signifies an ongoing quest for inspiration and ideals that can shape and define one's existence, implying that the ideals we pursue in youth frame the responsibilities and pursuits we undertake in adulthood.
In practice
In a speech about personal growth, one could use this quote to inspire the audience to pursue their ideals.
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?
The cleverly expressed opposite of any generally accepted idea is worth a fortune to somebody.
Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due.
While I am in this world, I am resolved that no vexation shall put me out of temper if I can possibly command myself. Even old age, which is making strides towards me, shall not prevail to make me peevish.
Giving birth and nourishing, Bearing yet not possessing, Working yet not taking credit, Leading yet not dominating, This is the Primal Virtue.
Becoming is the action that births our womanhood, rather than passive act of being born (an act none of us has a choice in). This short, powerful statement assured me that I have the freedom, in spite of and because of my birth, body, race, gender expectations, and economic resources, to define myself for myself and for others.
The silence of a wise man is always meaningful.
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