11 Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes on Politics

Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes on politics

10. There is always a certain meanness in the argument of conservatism, joined with a certain superiority in its fact.

11. The two parties which divide the State, the party of Conservatism and that of Innovation are very old, and have disputed the possession of the world ever since it was made ... Now one, now the other gets the day, and still the fight renews itself as if for the first time, under new names and hot personalities ... Innovation is the salient energy; Conservatism the pause on the last movement.

31. 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.

46. The word liberty in the mouth of Mr. Webster sounds like the word love in the mouth of a courtesan.

54. There are always two parties, the party of the past and the party of the Future; the Establishment and the Movement...

56. Give me health and a day, and I will make the pomp of emperors ridiculous.

139. The less government we have, the better - the fewer laws, and the less confided power.

151. Every actual State is corrupt. Good men must not obey the laws too well. What satire on government can equal the severity of censure conveyed in the word Politic, which now for ages has signified cunning, intimating that the State is a trick?

152. Hence, the less government we have, the better, - the fewer laws, and the less confided power. The antidote to this abuse of formal Government, is, the influence of private character, the growth of the Individual.

218. United States! the ages plead, - Present and Past in under-song, - Go put your creed into your deed, Nor speak with double tongue.

232. For what avail the plough or sail, Or land or life, if freedom fail?