“Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst. What is the right use? What is the one end, which all means go to effect? They are for nothing but to inspire. I had better never see a book, than to be warped by its attraction clean out of my own orbit, and made a satellite instead of a system. The one thing in the world, of value, is the active soul. ” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Learn from the past and learn from the ideas of others. Use this knowledge to help you find your own path, mold your own reasoning, create your own conclusions. But take heed, do not allow the ideas of others stifle your own unique perception or risk forsaking your freedom.
Deal!
ReplyDeleteVery well said, Elise.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep this thought with me all day. Well put, Elise. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you gentlemen. (:
ReplyDeleteMy first comment was swallowed by spammer??
ReplyDeleteNot sure Mich, I don't see it in my spam box. ):
Deletestupid blogger... grrrrr.
Elise, I loooooove this. Such a great thought to carry around. You are so wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteLearning from others is a must. In terms of writing, I've read hundreds, if not a few thousand articles over the years. Much of what I've learned would have taken me a lot longer, if not for the knowledge shared by those writers.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. That's a deep thought. I've never read any Emerson.
ReplyDeleteMorgan: I like this too and it's a quote that has always stuck to me for some reason.
ReplyDeleteJ.L: I agree and I think we're lucky to be a part of a community that gives so much back.
Michael: You should if you ever get the chance. He's an interesting character and a major player in the whole transcendentalism movement back around 1830.
I shall write this down and keep it in my wallet or something. It's very poignant. Thanks for sharing Elise.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
W.
LOVE this. Thanks Elise!
ReplyDeleteWayne: You're welcome Wayne, I'm glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteKelley: Me too. (:
Well said. :)
ReplyDeleteemerson's wrong!
ReplyDeletei find great value in a perfect steak, baked potato with sour cream, mushroom and onion gravy, and a super cold beer! :P lol
Melissa: Thanks hon (:
ReplyDeletelawolf: :P LOL!
;)
DeleteAhh, yes, well said, Elise! I agree with everyone else, nonetheless :)
ReplyDeleteHi Elise - absolutely ... and isn't it wonderful how much we can learn if we're open-minded, yet do things our way if that's what we want to ... there's so many alternatives and opportunities out there ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI agree and don't understand why people choose to go through life being closed-minded. There's so much to learn.
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