"Each philosopher, each bard, each actor, has only done for me, as by a delegate, what one day I can do for myself."
Here, Emerson acknowledges and gives credence, however dubious, to previous men (and women) of genius and action who in their deeds of genius and consequence, and acts of "heroism," have imparted through the centuries an illuminating conception of what it is to be human, an immortal intellectual edifice which constitutes Man's desire for his own immortality through great works, deeds, and thoughts; and consequently inspire successive generations to aspire to similar ideals. To quote Newton, "If I have seen further it is by standing on [the] shoulders of giants."
