Quote Interpretations from Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Self-Reliance" -

1.) "The great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."

I think that this quote means, as hard as it is to follow the crowd and try fitting in, it is key that you as an individual maintain your self views and believe what you want without having to worry about no fitting in with the crowd.

2.) "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind."

I think that this quote is one of the strongest points made by Emerson. What is being said here is that it is everyone's duty as and individual to protect our beliefs and stand up for what we believe in. It also states that it is key that we hold on to our integrity because it will always be our last resort.


"Nature" -

1.) "The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and heart of the child."

What this quote means to me is that man has a harsher outlook on life than a child who has not seen what is out in the world. To a man's eye, the sun is just another object in the sky. But since a child is not as developed in knowledge like men, curiousity and imagination takes over, and a child thinks differently of the sun.

2.) "In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature."

What I understand in the beginning of this quote is that when man leaves the streets and villages that clutter his mind, the beauty of the wilderness allows him to think clearly. The second part of this quote means even outside of the beauty of the wilderness, man is still able to see the beauty of the horizon that outlines the streets and villages that occupy the beauty that is sought for.