To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

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To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Philosopher, Poet, Author, Essayist

COMMENTS

Lulu Astler JANUARY 16, 2018
if ever there was one thing that people could agree on it would be that this Emerson quote comes to closest to summing up who and what he was ...it brings a tear to my eye, is one of the greatest things I've ever read and to have known someone that had lived that is even more wonderful
Vicki from Texas, USA AUGUST 17, 2017
This is what all people should strive to do. Our world would be a better place for all.
Isaac from Tennessee JULY 28, 2017
My favorite quote of all time- I try to live by it and pass it on to my friends, family, and one day I'll hopefully instill this into my future students :)
Ray from New Zealand JUNE 13, 2017
Beautiful, and so true.
Suzy from De Pere JANUARY 12, 2017
This is a good description of Jackie's legacy.

All things are bound together. All things connect. Whatever happens to the Earth happens to the children of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. —Chief Seattle
It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars. —Richard Paul Evans
It is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. —Helen Keller
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. —Charles Dickens
Friends are medicine for a wounded heart and vitamins for a hopeful soul. —Steve Maraboli
Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place. —Unknown
Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. —Earl Nightingale
To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs assistance, To the future in the distance, Give yourselves. —Carrie Chapman Catt
You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get. —Michael Phelps
Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. —Albert Schweitzer
Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best. —Bob Talbert
Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can? —Sun Tzu
And you ask “what if I fall?" Oh but my darling, what if you fly?” —Erin Hanson
Compassion is the currency that leads to true wealth. —Jim Carrey
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. —Helen Keller
Charity and love are the same—with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead. —Mother Teresa

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