The Book, Cat, & Cat Book Lovers Almanac

of historical trivia regarding books, cats, and other animals. Actually this blog has evolved so that it is described better as a blog about cats in history and culture. And we take as a theme the advice of Aldous Huxley: If you want to be a writer, get some cats. Don't forget to see the archived articles linked at the bottom of the page.

May 25, 2012

May 25, 1803

May 25, 1803. A new century in a young country. The same gorgeous spring in Boston that year, as always. That was the date America's first philosopher was born: Ralph Waldo Emerson.We can say, anyway, that in philosophy, the first time is best. Emerson's journals document an interest in Eastern philosophy. Here are some other topics from his notebooks:

If you wish bread, ask me for bread, & if you wish anchovies or lobster, ask me for...them,...do not hold out your plate as if I knew already. I respect cats, they seem to have so much else in their heads besides their mess.

When Emerson's first wife died, her last words were about remembering joy. Emerson did.

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