The word liberty in the mouth of Mr. Webster sounds like the word love in the mouth of a courtesan.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Emerson criticizes Webster's use of liberty as insincere compared to a courtesan's love.
- In plain terms
- Webster talks about liberty without meaning it.
- What can you take from it?
- Words lose value when spoken insincerely.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is political language sincere?
- How do you value words?
Another view
Public figures may use broad terms without personal intent.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
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