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The Indian who was laid under a curse, that the wind should not blow on him, nor water flow to him, nor fire burn him, is a type of us all. The dearest events are summer-rain, and we the Para coats that shed every drop. Nothing is left us now but death. We look to that with a grim satisfaction, saying, there at least is reality that will not dodge us.

Ralph Waldo Emerson#144

LifeDeathRealityProtectionVulnerability

About this quote

What does it mean?
Humans shield themselves from life's experiences, leaving death as the only certainty.
In plain terms
We protect ourselves from living.
What can you take from it?
Be open to life.

Where it applies

  • grief
  • isolation
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • risk-taking
  • mindfulness

Questions to consider

  • What do you shed?

Another view

Protection is sometimes needed.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

  1. Every ship is a romantic object, except that we sail in.

    Permalink to quote #143
  2. To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom

    Permalink to quote #145
  3. Language is the archives of history...Language is fossil poetry.

    Permalink to quote #142

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