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Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotations

"These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter the world."
In this quote, Mr. Emerson is speaking of the voice of individuality that is inside of everybody. He also refers to this as "the likeness of god". He is saying that it is very much easier to be yourself when one is alone and the pressure is off of them, but if one possesses integrity, then they will be able to be themselves in any situation regardless of how much pressure is put on them. They can do simple and difficult tasks with the same calm and look for themselves inside rather than out.

"Your goodness must have some edge to it, else it is none."
The meaning of this quote is that if someone relies on only one characteristic to get by on, it will not have the same effect after it is used over and over. Unlike Ben Franklin saying, "The used key is always bright," this used key becomes dulled. If someone is always nice, it becomes a given. If someone acts naturally and uses all of their emotions, things stay balanced and words mean more than they would otherwise. Different emotions aren't bad, just different.

"...All natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence."
For the purpose of this quote, I believe that everything is natural, because it has progressed from nothing. Since we don't know what other humans have asides from on our earth, we do not know what is normal and what isn't. By nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson is referring to the environment, which includes things both good and bad. If one is optimistic, they can find enjoyment in anything. If one isn't optimistic, they will not see the same things. When the mind is opened, it takes in all aspects of what it sees. This means if you see a pile of trash you can find enjoyment in it with the different colors, textures or even lives of the objects in that trash. This leaves a feeling of contentment, which is the "kindred impression" Emerson speaks of.

"In good health, the air is cordial of incredible virtue."
What this quote is saying is that what you see is not always what you see. When one is healthy, the air seems very refreshing and crisp. In sickness, however it is the opposite and each breath causes suffering, however the air hasn't changed. What has changed is how the air is perceived.