We will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we… — Ralph Waldo Emerson · Smartyfair

We will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds.

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.8 quotes

Source foundIndividuality1800s

In plain words

Standing on your own feet, working with your own hands, saying what you think.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 88% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: The American Scholar (1837).
Occasion: 1837
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Sourced to The American Scholar, 1837

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Ralph Waldo Emerson

More on individuality

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.

Oscar Wilde Not all who wander are lost.

J.R.R. Tolkien 'Know thyself' was written over the portal of the antique world. Over the portal of the new world, 'Be thyself' shall be written.

Oscar Wilde Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

Judy Garland It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.

Louisa May Alcott He who pursues fame at the risk of losing his self is not a scholar.