"Nothing astonishes men so much as
common sense and plain dealing."
by:
Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803-1882) American essayist, lecturer, and poet
Source:
Essays, 1841
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Trust Emerson to demonstrate the very thing he is referring to. This quote is based on common sense, yet surprises us by using that common sense.
 -- C.R., USA     
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    Are you astonished? Or, did you expect common sense and plain dealing as a prerequisite of mankind and were astonished that it was not usual?
     -- JR, Edmonton     
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     -- Anonymous      
     -- Anonymous      
    It's a nice quote.
     -- D M, B.     
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    If only humanity would adhere to the concepts and principles of this quote!
     -- Mamie L Stewart-Albertie, Silver Spring, Maryland     
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    It astonishes people because it is so rare.
     -- Jim Moravec, Lemont     
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    As true today as it was then! I have stunned people into silenced awe by exhibiting the traits he illustrates! It always leaves me with a sense of dispair.
     -- Isaac , Lavergne      
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    LOL!
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    I prefer a common sense (not so common though) and straight forward approach to solving problems. As opposed to the nonsense and complex approach of liberals and socialists. Such is "income tax" with its take from everyone and give it to the lazy and other countries mentality.
     -- Joe, Rochester, MI     
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    Common sense? Such a rare commodity - and becoming more scarce all the time. Can it be said that common sense is a recognition of common law (which is an administration / application of natural law)? If so, such aberration, as is so fleeting, does astonish the common man. Plain dealings are no longer common - being replaced by the complexity of chaos.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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     -- jim k, Austin      
    Norwalk Mike has it correct - today's dumbed-down pseudo-American is far too common to grasp even the basic precept here.

    This quote succinctly sums-up Trump's jaw-dropping power today, as well.

    Idiots freak out when smacked w/reality...
     -- Mark, Aurora, Colorado     
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    " The heart of man is like deep water, but a child of understanding will draw it out." king David.
    " Rhodora ! if the sages ask the why
    This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
    Tell them, Dear, that if eyes were made for seeing
    Then beauty is its own excuse for being:
    Why thou wert there , O rival of the rose!
    I never thought to ask, I never knew:
    But, in my simple ignorance, suppose
    The self same Power that brought me there brought you."
    Emerson
    " Spirit. that made those spirits dare
    To die, and leave their children free,
    Bid time Nature gently spare
    The shaft we raise to them and thee"
    Concord Hymn, Emerson.
    Regarding nature as the "Universal Being" Emerson's vision was vivid and very clear ! Spirituality and the inner man, God Seeks to save. " The aspect of nature is devout, like the figure of Jesus, with bended head, and hands folded upon the breast. The happiest man is he who learns from Nature the lesson of worship. Therefore that Spirit,that is, the Supreme Being, does not build up nature around us, but puts it forth through us." Emerson clearly shows that man must be spiritual and morally minded, in which there should be goodness between nature and humans. Thoreau after reading " Nature" by Emerson, spent time at the pond owned by Emerson. " Man Thinking " within this one man, who is the Universal Being. Drawing from the same insightfulness as our Apostle Paul states, " God is in all, and through all, and by him all things consist " Pluralism as Descartes puts forth is simply understood, as the Carnal man and the Spiritual man. " THERE IS therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do Mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. BECAUSE the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Uncommon Commonsense. As Paul writes to us in Romans 8, the number of a new beginning. Then the exposing of plural calling, those know of God in Christ. "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious Liberty of the children of God. " According to God's election and grace we have This Treasure in earthen vessels, that the glory may be of God and not of man. Therefore the doctrines of Liberty give life in this life, and also in that which is to come. Semper FI is the new creature, like minded with Christ concerning his Liberty and Freedom.
     -- Ronw13, Oregon     
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     -- jim k, Austin      
     
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