Original artwork, not a still
The Conduct of Life ‧ 1860
The measure of a master is his success in bringing all men round to his opinion twenty years later.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Emerson measures greatness by long-term influence. A true master eventually has everyone thinking the way they did, only twenty years on. Being ahead of your time is the point, not merely being applauded right away.
Context reviewed
