Ralph Emerson

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Penguin is republishing Emerson's classic work in an affordable, high quality edition, using the original text and artwork.

Nature

invented “feeling sad? touch some grass”

Grace McCarter

Under the general name of Commodity, I rank all those advantages which our senses owe to nature. This, of course, is a benefit which is temporary and mediate, not ultimate, like its service to the soul. Yet although low, it is perfect in its kind, and is the only use of nature which all men apprehend. The misery of man appears like childish petulance, when we explore the steady and prodigal provision that has been made for his support and delight on this green ball which floats him through the heavens. What angels invented these splendid ornaments, these rich conveniences, this ocean of air above, this ocean of water beneath, this firmament of earth between? This zodiac of lights, this tent of dropping clouds, this striped coat of climates, this fourfold year? Beasts, fire, water, stones, and corn serve him. The field is at once his floor, his work-yard, his play-ground, his garden, and his bed. 

The long slender bars of cloud float like fishes in the sea of crimson light. From the earth, as a shore, I look out into that silent sea. I seem to partake its rapid transformations: the active enchantment reaches my dust, and I dilate and conspire with the morning wind.

A man is fed, not that he may be fed, but that he may work.

The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.

Nature quotes

Join the club