"Nature and books belong to the eyes..." - Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nature and books belong to the eyes that see them. It depends on the mood of the man, whether he shall see the sunset or the fine poem. There are always sunsets, and there is always genius; but only a few hours so serene that we can relish nature or criticism. The more or less depends on structure or temperament. Temperament is the iron wire on which the beads are strung. Of what use is fortune or talent to a cold and defective store?
More by Ralph Waldo Emerson
More on Perception
“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.”
“I never feel the need to go out and make some grand statement that I'm dark and twisty and complicated, because I'm not that either. It's just not as simple as ponies and rainbows, though I do love ponies and rainbows.”
“Many people think that virtue consists of severity towards others.”
More on Nature
“Practice the art of patience for nature never acts in haste.”
“The echoes of beauty you've seen transpire, Resound through dying coals of a campfire.”
“Just watching an animal closely can take you out of your mind and bring you into the present moment, which is where the animal lives all the time - surrendered to life.”