Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

All my best thoughts were stolen by the ancients.

All my best thoughts were stolen by the ancients.

Summary

This quote reflects the sentiment of the speaker that they believe their most profound ideas and insights have already been discovered and expressed by the "ancients," referring to past philosophers, scholars, and thinkers. The speaker implies that these influential predecessors have "stolen" their best thoughts, suggesting their words and ideas have already been written, leaving little room for originality or fresh perspectives. The quote expresses a sense of admiration for the wisdom of those who came before while also expressing a slightly melancholic longing for original ideas.

Topics

Originality

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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