English Traits

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Emerson, Ralph Waldo

"English Traits"

While the constructive talent seems dwarfed and superficial, the criticism is often in the noblest tone, and suggests the presence of the invisible gods. I can well believe what I have often heard, that there are two nations in England; but it is not the Poor and the Rich; nor is it the Normans and Saxons; nor the Celt and the Goth. These are each always becoming the other; for Robert Owen does not exaggerate the power of circumstance. But the two complexions, or two styles of mind, -- the perceptive class, and the practical finality class, -- are ever in counterpoise, interacting mutually; one, in hopeless minorities; the other, in huge masses; one studious, contemplative, experimenting; the other, the ungrateful pupil, scornful of the source, whilst availing itself of the knowledge for gain; these two nations, of genius and of animal force, though the first consist of only a dozen souls, and the second of twenty millions, forever by their discord and their accord yield the power of the English State.

Chapter XV - The "Times"

The power of the newspaper is familiar in America, and in accordance with our political systemgonism with the feudal institutions, and it is all the more beneficent succor against the secretive tendencies of a monarchy.

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Emerson, Ralph Waldo

"English Traits"

Chapter XV - The "Times"