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.
When we have peace in our hearts and minds, we draw peace into our lives. #<Author:0x00007f30fb439a08>
PEACE
Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside. #<Author:0x00007f30fb4c1bb0>
MINDFULNESS
The key of persistence opens all doors closed by resistance. #<Author:0x00007f30fb4939e0>
PERSISTENCE
Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door. #<Author:0x00007f30fb472088>
OPPORTUNITY
People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built. #<Author:0x00007f30fb4f37a0>
CHARACTER
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. #<Author:0x00007f30fb4d0d68>
OVERCOMING
Compassion is the ultimate expression of your highest self. #<Author:0x00007f30fb58fba0>
COMPASSION
We need not think alike to love alike. #<Author:0x00007f30fb567060>
LOVE
Deep listening is the kind of listening that can help relieve the suffering of another person. #<Author:0x00007f30fb5eef10>
LISTENING
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. #<Author:0x00007f30fb5bedd8>
CREATIVITY
Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. #<Author:0x000055c6124c2da8>
LOVE
True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth. #<Author:0x000055c61195dee0>
FREEDOM
If you shift your focus from yourself to others, extend your concern to others, and cultivate the thought of caring for the well being of others, then this will have the immediate effect of opening up your life and helping you to reach out. #<Author:0x000055c6128029a0>
CARING
Where there is unity there is always victory. #<Author:0x000055c6126d4c18>
UNITY
Instruction does much, but encouragement everything. #<Author:0x000055c61259aac8>
ENCOURAGEMENT
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. #<Author:0x000055c612985958>
APPRECIATING NATURE
All Pass It On® Quotes

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