Whoever considers the final cause of the world will discern
a multitude of uses that enter as parts into that result.
They all admit of being thrown into one of the following classes:
Commodity, Beauty, Language, and Discipline.
Under the general name of commodity, I rank all those advantages
Which our senses own to nature. This, of course is a benefit which
is temporary and mediate, not ultimate, like it's service to the soul
Yet although low it is perfect, in it's kind; and is the only use of nature
Which all men will apprehend. The misery of man appears like childish petulance,
when we explore the steady and prodigal provision that has been made
for his support and delight o this green ball which floats him through the heavens.
What angels invented these splendid ornaments
EXCERPTS FROM RALPH EMERSON'S
Selected Essays, Lectures, And Poems: Nature
a multitude of uses that enter as parts into that result.
They all admit of being thrown into one of the following classes:
Commodity, Beauty, Language, and Discipline.
Under the general name of commodity, I rank all those advantages
Which our senses own to nature. This, of course is a benefit which
is temporary and mediate, not ultimate, like it's service to the soul
Yet although low it is perfect, in it's kind; and is the only use of nature
Which all men will apprehend. The misery of man appears like childish petulance,
when we explore the steady and prodigal provision that has been made
for his support and delight o this green ball which floats him through the heavens.
What angels invented these splendid ornaments
EXCERPTS FROM RALPH EMERSON'S
Selected Essays, Lectures, And Poems: Nature