"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know"

Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote "I hate quotations. Tell me what you understand" is a call to action for individuals to believe on their own and to count on their own knowledge and experience. He is difficult people to think individually and to not depend on the words of others. He is motivating individuals to form their own viewpoints and to not be swayed by the viewpoints of others. He is likewise recommending that people must not be content with simply repeating what they have heard or read, but should make every effort to acquire their own understanding of the world. By doing so, they can end up being more informed and better geared up to make decisions and form viewpoints. Emerson's quote is a pointer that understanding is power which it is necessary to think for oneself.