Have the courage not to adopt another’s courage. There is scope and… — Ralph Waldo Emerson · Smartyfair

Have the courage not to adopt another’s courage. There is scope and cause and resistance enough for us in our proper work and circumstance.

Ralph Waldo Emerson1803–1882 · writer · 1800s USARalph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist and poet who encouraged people to trust their own minds and think for themselves.207 quotes

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How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Society and Solitude, “Courage” (1870); Two consecutive complete sentences. Context rejects theatrical imitation of someone else’s bravery in favor of courage in one’s own work and circumstances. Public-domain original text checked.
Work: Society and Solitude, “Courage” (1870)
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 20 October 2026Society and Solitude, “Courage” (1870); Two consecutive complete sentences. Context rejects theatrical imitation of someone else’s bravery in favor of courage in one’s own work and circumstances. Public-domain original text checked.

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