The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
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The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops—no, but the kind of man the country turns out.
Ralph Waldo Emerson Civilization · 1870

Quotes

“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · New England Reformers, 1844 · Primary source

“If you would be loved, love and be lovable.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Let every new year find you a better man.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Observe all men; thyself most.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“There was never a good knife made of bad steel.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Virtue and happiness are mother and daughter.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“When you’re good to others, you are best to yourself.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Words may show a man’s wit, but actions his meaning.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Character is higher than intellect.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · The American Scholar, 1837 · Primary source

“We gain the strength of the temptation we resist.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Compensation, 1841 · Primary source

“We must be our own [friend] before we can be another’s.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Friendship, 1841 · Primary source

“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · The Transcendentalist, 1842 · Primary source

“A little integrity is better than any career.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Behavior, 1860 · Primary source

“Ask advice of him who governs himself well.”

Leonardo da Vinci · The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, 1888 · Primary source

“To speak well of a base man is much the same as speaking ill of a good man.”

Leonardo da Vinci · The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, 1888 · Primary source

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · No reliable source

Works

Ralph Waldo Emerson · 1841
Compensation

An exploration of moral balance and consequence, arguing that actions, gains and losses are answered by corresponding effects in life.

Read summary·Explore 14 quotes
Ralph Waldo Emerson · 1860
Behavior

An examination of manners, conduct and social presence, arguing that character is revealed through behaviour, expression, courtesy and everyday interactions.

Read summary·Explore 2 quotes

Related Tags

Self-reliance 49 Transcendentalism 32 Judgement 31 Mortality 30 Resilience 30 Independence 29 Action 23 Integrity 19 Self-discipline 19 Observation 17 Friendship 16 Reputation 16 Reciprocity 11 Duty 11 Reflection 10 Self-awareness 10 Human potential 10 Relationships 9 Self-improvement 9 Justice 9 Love 8 Kindness 8 Resistance 7 Affection 6 Progress 6 Self-examination 6 Virtue 6 Discernment 6 Personal growth 5 Happiness 5 Moral conduct 5 Civilisation 5 Self-command 5 Quality 4 Potential 4 Longevity 4 Meaning 4 Intellect 4 Self-respect 4 Advice 4 Balance 4 Wellbeing 3 Goodwill 3 Credibility 3 Temptation 3 Solitude 3 Principles 3 Social progress 3 Moral judgement 3 Development 2 Quality of life 2 Praise 2 Moral consequence 2 Manners 2 Social conduct 2 Courtesy 2 Foundations 1 Actions 1 Words 1 Intentions 1 Moral strength 1 Company 1 Intrinsic reward 1 Good work 1 Career 1 Professional conduct 1 National development 1 Human quality 1 Inner strength 1 Self-governance 1