Source identified
Read & copy the quotation
“I wish that friendship should have feet, as well as eyes and eloquence.”
- Date
- 1841
Meaning of “I wish that friendship should have feet, as…”
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.
Where does it come from?
Essays: First Series, “Friendship” (1841), verified against Project Gutenberg #2944 and the 1907 Merrill/Turpin page witness in Project Gutenberg #16643, printed page 128. Emerson says friendship should have “feet, as well as eyes and eloquence” and immediately insists that it must “plant itself on the ground,” connecting lofty affection with practical civic virtues and aid.
