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About this quote

What does it mean?
Major social shifts begin as individual thoughts that spread and define an era.
In plain terms
Revolutions start as one person's idea that others eventually share.
What can you take from it?
Individual ideas can spark era-defining change.

Where it applies

  • activism
  • business
  • education

Putting it to work

  • advocacy
  • publishing
  • networking

Questions to consider

  • What idea could start a revolution?
  • Are you ready to share your thought?

Another view

Not all shared ideas lead to positive revolutions or progress.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

  1. Be silly, be honest, be kind.

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  2. To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betr…

    Permalink to quote #309
  3. When it is darkest, men see the stars.

    Permalink to quote #306

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