A great man quotes bravely, and will not draw on his invention when his memory serves him with a word just as good

A great man quotes bravely, and will not draw on his invention when his memory serves him with a word just as good

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned American essayist, lecturer, and poet, was a firm believer in the power of words and the importance of speaking with authenticity and honesty. He valued the ability to quote bravely, drawing on the wisdom of others to convey his own thoughts and ideas. In his essay "Quotation and Originality," Emerson explores the concept of quoting and the role it plays in the creative process.

Emerson believed that a great man quotes bravely, not relying on his own invention when his memory serves him with a word just as good. He saw quoting as a way to pay homage to the wisdom of those who came before him, while also adding his own unique perspective to the conversation. By quoting others, Emerson believed that one could tap into a collective wisdom that transcended individual knowledge.

Emerson's own writing is filled with quotes from a wide range of sources, including ancient philosophers, poets, and religious texts. He saw these quotes as a way to enrich his own writing and to connect with the thoughts and ideas of others. By drawing on the words of others, Emerson was able to create a dialogue between past and present, weaving together a tapestry of voices that spoke to the universal truths of the human experience.

Emerson's belief in the power of quoting bravely is reflected in his own writing style, which is characterized by its depth, complexity, and richness of language. He saw quoting as a way to elevate his own writing, adding layers of meaning and nuance that would not be possible through his own invention alone. By quoting others, Emerson was able to tap into a wellspring of knowledge and insight that transcended his own limitations.