"The heroic soul does not sell its..." - Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“He in whom the love of truth predominates . . . submits to the inconvenience of suspense and imperfect opinion; but he is a candidate for truth . . . and respects the highest law of his being.”

“Truly speaking, it is not instruction, but provocation, that I can receive from another soul. What he announces, I must find true in me, or reject; and on his word, or as his second, be he who he may, I can accept nothing.”

“You will think me very pedantic, gentlemen, but holiday though it may be, I have not the smallest interest in any holiday, except as it celebrates real and not pretended joys.”

“Did you ever hear of a man who had striven all his life faithfully and singly towards an object, and in no measure obtained it? If a man constantly aspires, is he not elevated? Did ever a man try heroism, magnanimity, truth, sincerity, and find that there was no advantage in them,--that it was a vain endeavor?”

“I was called a terrorist yesterday... Today I am admired by the very people who said I was one.”

“Here is a hero who did nothing but shake the tree as soon as the fruit was ripe. Does this seem to be too small a thing to you? Then take a good look at the tree he shook.”

“As I hopeFor quiet days, fair issue, and long life,With such love as 'tis now, the murkiest den,The most opportune place, the strong'st suggestionOur worser genius can, shall never meltMine honour into lust, to take awayThe edge of that day's celebration,When I shall think or Phoebus' steeds are founder'dOr Night kept chain'd below.”

“You must do right before you feel good.”

“Virtue tested: "Have I not survived hunger and thirst, suffering, and mockery for the sake of the truth which heaven has awakened in my heart?”