Meaning of life quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson (Boston)

"Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, age 0 (1803 - 1882)

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

April 13, 2026

This perspective on the meaning of life comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson, based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. As a renowned thinker (1803 - 1882), their words continue to inspire people around the world.

Related Perspectives

"Advancing green architecture"

— Amina, 28, Boston, USA

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

— Martin Luther King Jr., 0, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

"The only way to have a friend is to be one."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, 0, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

— Aristotle, 0, Athens, Greece

Explore More

Quotes from USA

Discover more perspectives from this region

Perspectives from people in their Under 20

See how age shapes life's meaning

All Quotes

Browse the full collection of perspectives

View World Map

See all quotes on the interactive globe