What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Emerson argues that inner character matters more than past or future events.
- In plain terms
- What is inside you is more important than what happened or will happen.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on your inner strength over external events.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What lies within you?
- How much do past events define you?
Another view
External circumstances often dictate outcomes regardless of inner strength.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
Permalink to quote #302 When you strike at a King, you must kill him.
Permalink to quote #304 Truth is beautiful, without doubt; but so are lies. (see also: Truth & Lies)
Permalink to quote #301
Related quotes
It is the mind that makes the man, and our vigour is in our immortal soul.
OvidOvid quote #27 Anything that has real and lasting value is always a gift from within.
Franz KafkaFranz Kafka quote #79 Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.
Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein quote #257