Journal 8 - Emerson’s Aphorisms
Write a one paragraph personal response based on three of the following aphorisms. Your responses should address the point Emerson is making as well as your thoughts/feelings about what he is saying.
2. Keep cool: it will all be one a hundred years hence.
This aphorism by Emerson is telling its reader not to worry about mistakes and life troubles to a great extent, for in 100 years you will be dead and nothing will have truly mattered. Emerson wants his readers to live life to its fullest and enjoy every second. He does not want people to get caught up in the little mistakes they make, and waste precious time worrying about the little things. Life is short, so make every minute count!
4. We boil at different degrees.
This aphorism serves as a warning to its readers. It warns us that every person has different tolerances for anger and stress. It teaches us that although something may be a no big deal for one person, another person could think that it’s a huge deal. Emerson warns us to think of the way others look at situations before telling them that they are wrong, for everyone is different and has different views on life.
8. In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed.
This aphorism is also somewhat a warning. “Skating over thin ice” is referring to risky and dangerous situations that we often put ourselves into simply for the rush of doing something scary. Emerson warns us that if you are going to take part in a dangerous and risky action, your safety is in how quickly you complete it. Although skating over thin ice also requires speed in order to be safest, Emerson is not only referring to that specific action. He is referring to all dangerous actions as whole. When Emerson says “safety is in our speed” he not only means quickness, but he also refers to how careful one is being through their risky actions.