Quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Nature” (1836)

A man is fed, not that he may be fed, but that he may work.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” (1836)

All the facts in natural history taken by themselves, have no value, but are barren like a single sex. But marry it to human history, and it is full of life.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” (1836)

Debt, grinding debt, whose iron face the widow, the orphan, and the sons of genius fear and hate — debt, which consumes so much time, which so cripples and disheartens a great spirit with cares that seem so base, is a preceptor whose lessons cannot be forgone, and is needed most by those who suffer from it most.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” (1836)

Every universal truth which we express in words, implies or supposes every other truth.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” (1836)

The true philosopher and the true poet are one, and a beauty, which is truth, and a truth, which is beauty, is the aim of both.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” (1836)

To the wise, therefore, a fact is true poetry, and the most beautiful of fables.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” (1836)

Know then, that the world exists for you.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” (1836)