Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes

He who has great power should use it lightly.

Next to power without honor, the most dangerous thing in the world is power without humor.

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.

Power is dangerous unless you have humility.

You must be wise, but not too wise.

The people sensible enough to give good advice are usually sensible enough to give none.

There is often, in the affairs of government, more efficiency and wisdom in non-action than in action.

Perfect reason flees all extremity, and leads one to be wise with sobriety.

The fellow that has power is the one who uses it sparingly ... I had more power when I went into office than when I went out.

Let your accusations be few in number, even if they be just.

There are limits beyond which your folly will not carry you.

Sometimes you can tell a wise person not only by what he says but also by what he doesn't say. Remember, it is much better to say little than to say too much and regret it later.

Our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want, nor should we assume we have all the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed.

A great man knows the value of greatness; he dares not hazard it, he will not squander it.

Zeal should not outrun discretion.

Fear bespeaks of wisdom. Recognition of responsibility.

Step with care and great tact, and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.

They are focused on whether they can do something. They never think whether they should do something.

I'm not going to say something I shouldn't. In that way, I was probably the perfect guy to play in New England.

I haven't changed a bit. I go out with my mates, but I probably have to watch what I do a little more.

The time comes upon every public man when it is best for him to keep his lips closed.

I've learned people are watching, so don't do nothing stupid.

Discretion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life.

It's a wise thing to hold back.