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
“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


Achievement
Pass It On®
Pass It On®

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Your Comments
Mark Tiller from UK AUGUST 26, 2024
When I first read this a good 20 years ago, I thought to myself. If I needed a mission statement for my life, that's it.

craig lock from Gisborne, NZ JUNE 17, 2024
The power of words to uplift, encourage and inspire 'I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.' -Og Mandino

Nikolaos D. Skordilis from Athens, Greece FEBRUARY 8, 2022
Emerson's voice will always be a bright light illuminating my darkest abysses ♥️

Dale J from Va JUNE 30, 2018
Words to live by!

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.

Gemma from Hook Area Co Wexford OCTOBER 11, 2016
This is a beautiful Quotation

Abel from Liberia  MAY 25, 2016
So remarkable

Purity from Nairobi NOVEMBER 9, 2015
Encouraging quotes


Here are some other inspiring quotes you might like.
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