Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

I remember an answer which when quite young I was prompted to make to a valued adviser who was wont to importune me with the dear old doctrines of the church. On my saying, What have I to do with the sacredness of traditions, if I live wholly from within? my friend suggested--'But these impulses may be from below, not from above.' I replied, 'They do not seem to me to be such; but if I am the devil's child, I will live them from the devil.

I remember an answer which when quite young I was prompted t

Summary

In this quote, the speaker reflects on a conversation with an adviser who urged them to embrace the traditions and doctrines of the church. The speaker acknowledges their inclination to live their life based on their own inner impulses rather than relying on external traditions. However, when challenged that these impulses may be of a negative or evil nature, the speaker defiantly responds that even if that were the case, they would still choose to live in alignment with those impulses, rather than conforming to traditional beliefs by default. They assert their autonomy and willingness to embrace their true nature, regardless of its origins.

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By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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