Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
In this distribution of functions, the scholar is the delegated intellect. In the right state, he is, Man Thinking. In the degenerate state, when the victim of society, he tends to become a mere thinker, or, still worse, the parrot of other men's thinking.
Summary
This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights the role of scholars in society. It suggests that in an ideal state, scholars are not just thinkers but act as intellectual leaders - "Man Thinking." However, when influenced by societal pressures, scholars may become mere regurgitators of other people's thoughts, losing their originality and independent thinking abilities. The quote emphasizes the importance of scholars maintaining their individuality and intellectual autonomy to truly contribute to knowledge and progress.