Ralph Waldo Emerson1803–1882Earth proudly wears the Parthenon
As the best gem upon her zone.Poems (1847), The Problem, st. 3Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first quoter of it.
Letters and Social Aims (1876), Quotation and OriginalityOur chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can.
The Conduct of Life (1860)And striving to be man, the worm
Mounts through all the spires of form.May-Day and Other Pieces (1867), May-DayHe thought it happier to be dead,
To die for Beauty, than live for bread.May-Day and Other Pieces (1867), BeautyHe is great who is what he is from Nature, and who never reminds us of others.
Representative Men (1850)Wilt thou seal up the avenues of ill?
Pay every debt as if God wrote the bill.May-Day and Other Pieces (1867), FragmentFor what are they all in their high conceit,
When man in the bush with God may meet?Poems (1847), Good-bye, st. 4Shallow men believe in luck, believe in circumstances… Strong men believe in cause and effect.
The Conduct of Life (1860), Worship- Journal (November 8, 1838)
- The Conduct of Life (1860), Behavior
- Society and Solitude (1870), Art
- Letters and Social Aims (1876), Quotation and Originality
- English Traits (1856), Ability
- Letters and Social Aims (1876), Quotation and Originality
