This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes the power of idea and how it shapes a person's identity. It recommends that an individual's character is identified by the ideas they have throughout the day. The thoughts we have can be favorable or negative, and they can affect our behavior and our outlook on life. If we think favorably, we will be more likely to do something about it and succeed. On the other hand, if we believe adversely, we will be most likely to be downhearted and quit quickly. This quote motivates us to be mindful of our ideas and to focus on the positive. It reminds us that our thoughts have the power to shape our lives which we should strive to believe favorably in order to end up being the very best variation of ourselves.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office"