The phrase is a masterclass in perspective. “Keep cool: it will be all one a hundred years hence.” People often attribute this calming advice to the great American thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson. Indeed, the sentiment fits perfectly with his Transcendentalist philosophy of self-reliance and calm observation. It sounds exactly like something he would write in an essay or a personal journal entry. However, the connection between Emerson and this specific quote is more complex than it first appears. This exploration delves into the true origins of this famous saying.
We will trace the quote’s history. Furthermore, we will uncover why it so frequently lands at Emerson’s feet. The journey reveals a fascinating story about how words travel through time. It also shows how ideas attach themselves to influential figures, sometimes incorrectly.
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The Search Through Emerson’s Writings
When you attribute a quote to an author, the first step is to find it in their work. Logically, scholars and enthusiasts have scoured Emerson‘s extensive collection of writings. They have meticulously searched his essays, poems, letters, and journals for the exact phrase. These efforts have consistently come up empty. The line “Keep cool: it will be all one a hundred years hence” simply does not appear in his known works. This absence is a critical piece of evidence in our investigation.
While the precise wording is missing, Ralph Waldo Emerson – Biography, Poems, … certainly explored similar themes. For example, he often wrote about the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective. He encouraged readers to rise above temporary troubles and focus on universal truths. His essay “Self-Reliance” champions inner calm and trust in one’s own judgment, which aligns with the quote’s spirit. Consequently, the misattribution is understandable. The quote’s message resonates deeply with the core tenets of Emerson’s worldview, making it feel authentic even if it is not.
Uncovering the True Source
If Emerson did not coin the phrase, then who did? The historical trail leads not to a 19th-century American philosopher, but to an 18th-century English cleric. Evidence points to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, as the true originator of the sentiment. Researchers have found the advice in his correspondence. Specifically, he offered this counsel in a letter to a fellow preacher.
In a letter dated May 17, 1777, Wesley wrote to Mr. Alexander Clark. He advised, “And ’twill be all one a hundred years hence.” . This earlier version captures the exact same idea. Wesley used it to soothe anxieties and encourage a focus on more significant, eternal matters. Therefore, the core of this famous piece of wisdom belongs to him. The phrase reflects his practical and spiritual guidance, intended to help people navigate life’s daily frustrations with grace. Source
How Did the Wires Get Crossed?
The misattribution to Ralph Waldo Emerson – Quotes, Poems & Ph… likely occurred over many decades. This process is common with popular quotes. An aphorism that reflects a famous person’s known philosophy can easily become attached to their name. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, collectors published many books of quotes and sayings. These volumes sometimes contained errors that were then repeated in subsequent publications. Once a quote is incorrectly attributed in print, the mistake tends to spread.
In the digital age, this phenomenon has accelerated. Websites, social media posts, and memes share quotes with little to no fact-checking. A quote attributed to a well-known figure like Emerson gains more traction than one attributed to a less popularly known figure like Wesley. As a result, the incorrect association strengthens over time, eventually becoming common knowledge. This is how a piece of 18th-century Methodist advice became a staple of 19th-century American Transcendentalist thought in the popular imagination.
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The Enduring Wisdom of Keeping Cool
Ultimately, does the true origin of the quote diminish its value? Not at all. The advice itself remains powerful and relevant. It reminds us to distinguish between minor annoyances and genuine crises. It encourages a sense of perspective that can reduce stress and improve decision-making. Whether the words came from John Wesley and the Quoted Wisdom: Histo… or Emerson, their wisdom endures.
However, understanding the correct history is also important. It honors the true source, John Wesley: Biography, Theology, and Me…, and his contribution to practical theology. It also gives us a more accurate picture of Emerson’s own unique voice. While he did not write this specific line, his authentic works offer countless other profound insights into living a thoughtful and self-reliant life. In summary, we can appreciate the quote for its message while also respecting the historical record. The story behind the saying serves as a great reminder to always question, verify, and dig a little deeper.