Tag Archives: Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Self-trust is the essence of heroism.”

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Kate Stover

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s description of heroism looks simple: heroes have strong values; they don’t listen to doubters. But Emerson’s essays can be described as collections of complex ideas. He also says that heroism “has pride; it is the extreme of … Continue reading →

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“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Kate Stover

It’s been a long winter for many of us; we’re weighed down by boots, shovels, and ice scrapers. If you are looking for words of encouragement, consider Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance.” It is (among other things) a pep talk … Continue reading →

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“Always do what you are afraid to do.”

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Kate Stover

This famous assertion from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Heroism,” published in 1841, floated to the top of my mind while – of all things! – attending a technology conference. The keynote speaker, author of the upcoming book Strive: How Doing … Continue reading →

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“The difference between landscape and landscape is small, but there is great difference in the beholders.”

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Kate Stover

Recently, I visited Ralph Waldo Emerson’s house in Concord, MA, which has the chair that Emerson sat in while he wrote his famous essay “Nature.”  As a fan of what Anne Fadiman calls “You-Are-There Reading” I had to reacquaint myself … Continue reading →

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