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About this quote

What does it mean?
The feeling of the sublime comes from following the command to obey oneself.
In plain terms
Following your own conscience gives a deep, elevated feeling.
What can you take from it?
True greatness comes from self-discipline.

Where it applies

  • moral decision
  • leadership
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • trust yourself
  • act independently

Questions to consider

  • Do you obey yourself?
  • What lifts your spirit?

Another view

Some believe obedience to others is more important.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

  1. The man who renounces himself, comes to himself.

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  2. None believeth in the soul of man, but only in some man or person old and departed.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. The imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity. The inventor did it because it was natural to him, and so in him it has a charm. In the imitator something e…

    Permalink to quote #4

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