The American Scholar : Quotations
The American Scholar is a notable literary work by Ralph Waldo Emerson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The American Scholar.
Quotations
Quotes
“The one thing in the world of value is the active soul.”
Explanation: Emerson says that the most valuable thing in the world is the human soul that acts and creates. True worth lies not in wealth or books, but in the living power of thought and spirit.
“The scholar is….. Man Thinking.”
Explanation: A true scholar is not just a reader or follower of others’ thoughts; he is a living mind who thinks for himself.
“Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst.”
Explanation: Books are helpful only when they inspire independent thinking. If followed blindly, they destroy creativity.
“Character is higher than intellect.”
Explanation: Moral character is more important than intelligence. A person’s virtue gives true strength to his knowledge.
“The office of the scholar is to cheer, to raise, and to guide men by showing them facts amidst appearances.”
Explanation: The scholar’s duty is to inspire, uplift, and guide others toward truth, even when it is hidden under illusions.
“He is the world’s eye. He is the world’s heart.”
Explanation: The scholar sees truth like the world’s eye and feels compassion like the world’s heart.
“Our reading is mendicant and sycophantic.”
Explanation: Emerson criticizes people for being dependent and flattering toward old ideas instead of creating their own.
“When private men shall act with original views, the luster will be transferred from the actions of kings to those of gentlemen.”
Explanation: When ordinary people act with originality, they become greater than kings.
“We lie in the lap of immense intelligence.”
Explanation: Human beings live surrounded by divine intelligence and truth; they are part of God’s creative power.
“The world is nothing, the man is all.”
Explanation: Emerson declares that the true measure of reality is the human spirit, not the outer world. The world has no meaning without the mind that perceives it.
