I like the silent church before the service begins, better than any preaching

I like the silent church before the service begins, better than any preaching

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned American essayist, poet, and philosopher, was known for his transcendentalist beliefs and his unique perspective on spirituality and nature. In his essay "Self-Reliance," Emerson famously wrote, "I like the silent church before the service begins, better than any preaching." This statement reflects Emerson's preference for introspection and personal reflection over organized religion and traditional forms of worship.

Emerson believed that true spirituality could be found in solitude and silence, rather than in the rituals and dogma of organized religion. He saw the quiet moments before a church service as a time for individuals to connect with their own inner thoughts and feelings, free from the distractions of external influences. For Emerson, this silent contemplation was a way to tap into one's own inner wisdom and intuition, rather than relying on the teachings of others.

Emerson's preference for the silent church before the service begins can be seen as a rejection of the idea that spiritual truth can only be found through external sources such as religious texts or clergy. Instead, he believed that each individual has the capacity to connect with the divine within themselves, without the need for intermediaries. This idea is central to Emerson's philosophy of self-reliance, which emphasizes the importance of trusting one's own instincts and beliefs.