Quote of the Week
Quotations are a vital resource for writers, individuals, learners, trainers, teachers and educators
“There is no knowledge that is not power.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
Knowledge is a source of power, but it is much more than that. It also provides pathways to health, wealth, well-being and survival…
Be wary of power and what it can do, as pointed out in the two quotes below:
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
— First Baron Acton (1834–1902)
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
— Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 — 1882) was an American lecturer, philosopher, essayist and poet best remembered for leading the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century.
Early Life
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Emerson came from a long line of ministers and was heavily influenced by Unitarianism, a liberal religious movement.
Philosophy and Works
A profound optimism about human potential and a deep connection to nature characterises Emerson’s work. He is best known for his essays, which explore a wide range of topics, including self-reliance, individualism, and the relationship between humanity and nature. One of his most famous essays is Self-Reliance, in which he encourages people to trust their own instincts and intuition rather than conform to societal expectations.
As a leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement, Emerson believed in the inherent goodness of people and their ability to transcend the limitations of society through intuition and the connection with the divine. Transcendentalism emphasises the importance of spiritual experience and the divinity of nature.
Emerson was a popular lecturer, and his speeches often addressed social issues of the time, such as abolitionism and the need for intellectual independence. Some of his other notable works include the essay Nature, the collection of essays titled Essays: First Series and Essays: Second Series, as well as his poetry, including the poem Concord Hymn, which contains the famous line:
“Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die and leave their children free.”
Legacy
Emerson’s ideas had a profound impact on American literature and philosophy, influencing thinkers such as Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and others. His legacy continues to be celebrated for his contributions to American intellectual and literary traditions.
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