Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self Relian

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day. -- `Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.' -- Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.http://www.rwe.org/works/Essays-1st_Series_02_Self-Reliance.htm

Summary

This quote comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance" and emphasizes the importance of not conforming to societal expectations or adhering to a consistent set of beliefs. Emerson argues that true greatness lies in individuality and the courage to express one's true thoughts and ideas, even if they are contradictory or misunderstood by others. Consistency, according to Emerson, limits the growth and potential of the soul, and he suggests that being misunderstood is a natural consequence of leading an authentic and independent life. Being misunderstood should not be feared but rather embraced as a mark of distinction and greatness.