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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author observes snakes moving without obvious purpose, suggesting aimlessness.
In plain terms
Snakes glide without clear reason.
What can you take from it?
Not all actions have an obvious purpose.

Where it applies

  • watching wildlife
  • reflecting on habits

Putting it to work

  • accept uncertainty
  • avoid over‑interpretation

Questions to consider

  • When do we create purpose where there is none?

Another view

Human tendency is to impose meaning where none may exist.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

  1. The Religion that is afraid of science dishonours God and commits suicide. It acknowledges that it is not equal to the whole of truth, that it legislates, tyra…

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  2. Sometimes a scream is better than a thesis.

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  3. When a whole nation is roaring Patriotism at the top of its voice, I am fain to explore the cleanness of its hands and purity of its heart.

    Permalink to quote #31

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