Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

We think our civilization near its meridian, but we are yet only at the cock-crowing and the morning star. In our barbarous society the influence of character is in its infancy.

We think our civilization near its meridian, but we are yet

Summary

This quote suggests that, contrary to popular belief, our civilization is still in its early stages of development despite believing we have reached its peak. The metaphor of "cock-crowing and the morning star" implies that there is still much more progress and potential to come. Additionally, the quote highlights that in our current society, characterized as "barbarous," the impact of personal character and values on the overall collective is underdeveloped and not yet fully recognized or given importance.

Topics

Society Character

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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