Quote Of The Day By Ralph Waldo Emerson: 'Nothing Is Rich But The Inexhaustible Wealth Of Nature...'

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a writer and philosopher who has become known for the way he spoke about nature. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1803, yet his unique perspective lives on centuries later. Emerson lost his father at a young age, leaving him poor with a single mother and siblings. He grew up to become a pastor but left when his first wife's death shook his faith. Emerson's beliefs grew and changed from there, leading him to write his essay "Nature" in 1836, which went on to become the basis for the transcendentalist philosophy. 

The philosopher's writing grew and expanded, often focusing on the importance of the natural world. There's no shortage of impactful quotes to pull from Emerson's work. Many revolve around encouraging people to connect with nature and really explore the natural world, something that can be all too easy to lose sight of in modern times. That's why one of Emerson's most noteworthy observations is today's quote of the day.

"Nothing is rich but the inexhaustible wealth of Nature. She shows us only surfaces, but she is million fathoms deep." Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote this powerful line in one of his essays, "Resources," back in 1876. In the essay, he said, "The world is all gates, all opportunities, strings of tension waiting to be struck." Emerson thought of the earth as something so valuable and vast that it could never really be explored or understood enough. In his mind, though, it was worth it for every person to learn and take in more.

There's so much more to be discovered in the outside world than most of us ever get to experience, but it isn't only the result of exploring nature. Sometimes, like Emerson was known for, it's simply about spending time in nature and letting yourself connect with the world around you.

Our society teaches us to spend our lives seeking wealth in a manmade system. In reality, though, there is so much more to be found in the natural world that surrounds us. When Ralph Waldo Emerson began to struggle with his religious beliefs, he embraced the notion that any human can find spirituality in the natural world. He believed that people could get through any struggle by considering themselves to be one part of a much bigger whole. 

Today, we often think of nature as something we can deplete for humans' self-serving, short-sighted benefits. This has only gotten much more severe since Emerson wrote about it. In his eyes, though, seeking to exploit nature for our own gain isn't the way to find peace. Instead, learning about nature, leaning further into it, and being open to being one with it can give you more real wealth than any amount of money can.

• "The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it."
• "It is better to be alone than in bad company."
• "A little integrity is better than any career."
• "It is not the length of life, but the depth."
• "Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles."