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About this quote

What does it mean?
Instead of following established routes, venture into the unknown and create your own path.
In plain terms
Don't follow the crowd; forge your own way.
What can you take from it?
Create new opportunities by exploring uncharted territory.

Where it applies

  • starting a business
  • career change
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • take risks
  • innovate
  • lead by example

Questions to consider

  • Where are you following others instead of leading?
  • What trail do you want to leave?

Another view

Sometimes following established paths is safer and more efficient.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

  1. Do not believe that you can possibly escape the reward of your action.

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  2. Finish every day and be done with it. For manners and for wise living it is a vice to remember. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no …

    Permalink to quote #290
  3. A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.

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