Culture

by Ralph Waldo Emerson — a poem card from Justes Mots

Emerson describes an ideal person of culture and education as one who is sensitive to beauty and influence yet remains grounded in principle, harmonizing past and future. The poem celebrates balance between receptivity and inner strength. Suitable for graduations or inspiring personal development.

Can rules or tutors educate
The semigod whom we await?
He must be musical,
Tremulous, impressional,
Alive to gentle influence
Of landscape and of sky,
And tender to the spirit-touch
Of man's or maiden's eye:…

Themes: encouragement · graduation · new-chapter · recovery