Qquoteatlas.infoquotes, sources and meanings
Source identified
“I wish that friendship should have feet, as well as eyes and eloquence.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Source
Essays, First Series — Friendship
Date
1841
Attribution
Source identified
Meaning

What does this quote mean?

Emerson wants friendship to become practical conduct rather than remain admiration or beautiful speech: real affection should show itself in ordinary acts of presence, usefulness and care.

Source context

Where does it come from?

Essays: First Series, “Friendship,” Project Gutenberg #2944. Emerson immediately explains that friendship must “plant itself on the ground” and connect lofty feeling with practical civic virtues and aid.

Primary / edition source ↗

Attribution

How should this attribution be read?

This wording is connected with the named source shown above. Translations and editions can vary, so consult the source note when exact wording matters.

Read the verification method →

Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation