Essays — First SeriesRalph Waldo Emerson
book · Item 324
A reason to turn the page
Give up your will and the child will answer from the same soul—how will that change who you both become?
Discovery 4 of 15As it is present in all persons, so it is in every period of life. It is adult already in the infant man. In my dealing with my child, my Latin and Greek, my accomplishments and my money stead me nothing; but as much soul as I have avails. If I am wilful, he sets his will against mine, one for one, and leaves me, if I please, the degradation of beating him by my superiority of strength. But if I renounce my will and act for the soul, setting that up as umpire between us two, out of his young eyes looks the same soul; he reveres and loves with me.