When Ralph Waldo Emerson made this observation, he was highlighting a common human tendency: society often reacts with surprise or disbelief when someone exhibits practical wisdom or innovation that seems obvious once it's presented. This reaction suggests that while people may recognize good ideas immediately after hearing them, they frequently fail to see the same value in such concepts until they are brought to their attention.
Delving deeper into this quote, Emerson is pointing out a broader truth about societal attitudes toward progress and change. It implies that individuals or groups can become entrenched in existing ways of thinking and doing things, making it difficult for them to embrace novel ideas or solutions even when those ideas make perfect sense. This reluctance can stem from fear of the unknown, resistance to altering established routines, or simply a lack of awareness about new possibilities. However, once these innovative concepts are introduced and demonstrated successfully, society tends to quickly accept and integrate them.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was an influential American essayist, lecturer, and poet who lived from 1803 to 1882. He is best known for his role in leading the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, which emphasized nonconformity and a spiritual connection with nature. Emerson’s writings often explored themes such as individualism, self-reliance, and the inherent goodness of people and nature. His work has had a lasting impact on American literature and philosophy, influencing later thinkers like Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman.
