We are born believing. A man bears beliefs as a tree bears apples.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Emerson compares innate beliefs to natural growth, suggesting they are inherent to human nature.
- In plain terms
- People are born with beliefs just like trees grow apples.
- What can you take from it?
- Beliefs are natural and inherent to humans.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where did your first beliefs come from?
- Are beliefs chosen or given?
Another view
Beliefs can also be learned rather than innate.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Solitude, the safeguard of mediocrity, is to genius the stern friend.
Permalink to quote #199 The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.
Permalink to quote #201 All educated Americans, first or last, go to Europe.
Permalink to quote #198
Related quotes
No dogma taught by the present civilization seems to form so insuperable an obstacle in a way of a right understanding of the relations which culture sustains …
John MuirJohn Muir quote #4 It is sad not to be loved, but it is much sadder not to be able to love.
Miguel de UnamunoMiguel de Unamuno quote #6 Not till the fire is dying in the grate, Look we for any kinship with the stars. Oh, wisdom never comes when it is gold, And the great price we pay for it full…
George MeredithGeorge Meredith quote #28