"The reason why men do not obey us, is because they see the mud at the bottom of our eye"

This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a metaphor for how individuals can be quick to evaluate and focus on the flaws of others. He is saying that individuals do not follow us due to the fact that they are too busy looking for our faults and weak points. He is recommending that if we want to be appreciated and followed, we need to make every effort to be best and not enable any flaws to be seen. This quote is a pointer that we must strive to be the best variation of ourselves and not let our imperfections be seen by others. It is likewise a reminder that we must not be so fast to evaluate others and concentrate on their flaws. We must rather concentrate on the great qualities of others and strive to be better ourselves.