None believeth in the soul of man, but only in some man or person old and departed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People tend to revere specific historical figures rather than believing in the potential of all humans.
- In plain terms
- We respect past heroes more than the average person.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the divine potential in everyone you meet.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you believe the common person can be great?
- Who do you admire and why?
Another view
Historical figures often demonstrate unique virtues that ordinary people may not possess.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
The man who renounces himself, comes to himself.
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Permalink to quote #4 The sublime is excited in me by the great stoical doctrine, Obey thyself.
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