In different hours, a man represents each of several of his ancestors, as if there were seven or eight of us rolled up in each man's skin, - seven or eight ancestors at least, - and they constitute the variety of notes for that new piece of music which his life is.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Human personality is a composite of ancestral traits that surface at different times, creating the unique melody of a life.
- In plain terms
- We carry many ancestors inside us, and they show up at different times to shape who we are.
- What can you take from it?
- Acknowledge that your character is influenced by generations before you, creating variety in your behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Which traits do you share with your ancestors?
- How does your past influence your present choices?
Another view
Modern genetics suggests environment plays a larger role than ancestral spirits.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Whatever limits us we call Fate.
Permalink to quote #190 Nature magically suits the man to his fortunes, by making these the fruit of his character.
Permalink to quote #192 Men are what their mothers made them.
Permalink to quote #189
Related quotes
'What the War Taught Me: There are two kinds of people in the world--those who think there are two kinds of people, and those who believe that there is one kin…
Rebecca BloodRebecca Blood quote #3 Everybody has an ego.
Kirk DouglasKirk Douglas quote #7 I found people were telling stories to themselves without knowing it. It seemed to me that people were living a sort of small sermon that they believed in, but…
V. S PritchettV. S Pritchett quote #22