Ralph Waldo Emerson

The same good office is performed by Property and its filial systems of debt and credit. Debt, grinding debt, whose iron face the widow, the orphan, and the sons of genius fear and hate; — debt, which consumes so much time, which so cripples and disheartens a great spirit with cares that seem so base, is a preceptor whose lessons cannot be forgone, and is needed most by those who suffer from it most. Moreover, property, which has been well compared to snow, — "if it fall level to-day, it will be blown into drifts to-morrow," — is the surface action of internal machinery, like the index on the face of a clock. Whilst now it is the gymnastics of the understanding, it is hiving in the foresight of the spirit, experience in profounder laws.

The whole character and fortune of the individual are affected by the least inequalities in the culture of the understanding; for example, in the perception of differences. Therefore is Space, and therefore Time, that man may know that things are not huddled and lumped, but sundered and individual. A bell and a plough have each their use, and neither can do the office of the other. Water is good to drink, coal to burn, wool to wear; but wool cannot be drunk, nor water spun, nor coal eaten. The wise man shows his wisdom in separation, in gradation, and his scale of creatures and of merits is as wide as nature. The foolish have no range in their scale, but suppose every man is as every other man. What is not good they call the worst, and what is not hateful, they call the best.

In like manner, what good heed, nature forms in us! She pardons no mistakes. Her yea is yea, and her nay, nay.

The first steps in Agriculture, Astronomy, Zoology, (those first steps which the farmer, the hunter, and the sailor take,) teach that nature's dice are always loaded; that in her heaps and rubbish are concealed sure and useful results.

How calmly and genially the mind apprehends one after another the laws of physics! What noble emotions dilate the mortal as he enters into the counsels of the creation, and feels by knowledge the privilege to BE! His insight refines him. The beauty of nature shines in his own breast. Man is greater that he can see this, and the universe less, because Time and Space relations vanish as laws are known.

Here again we are impressed and even daunted by the immense Universe to be explored. "What we know, is a point to what we do not know." Open any recent journal of science, and weigh the problems suggested concerning Light, Heat, Electricity, Magnetism, Physiology, Geology, and judge whether the interest of natural science is likely to be soon exhausted.

Passing by many particulars of the discipline of nature, we must not omit to specify two.

The exercise of the Will or the lesson of power is taught in every event. From the child's successive possession of his several senses up to the hour when he saith, "Thy will be done!" he is learning the secret, that he can reduce under his will, not only particular events, but great classes, nay the whole series of events, and so conform all facts to his character. Nature is thoroughly mediate. It is made to serve. It receives the dominion of man as meekly as the ass on which the Saviour rode. It offers all its kingdoms to man as the raw material which he may mould into what is useful. Man is never weary of working it up. He forges the subtile and delicate air into wise and melodious words, and gives them wing as angels of persuasion and command. One after another, his victorious thought comes up with and reduces all things, until the world becomes, at last, only a realized will, — the double of the man.

2. Sensible objects conform to the premonitions of Reason and reflect the conscience. All things are moral; and in their boundless changes have an unceasing reference to spiritual nature. Therefore is nature glorious with form, color, and motion, that every globe in the remotest heaven; every chemical change from the rudest crystal up to the laws of life; every change of vegetation from the first principle of growth in the eye of a leaf, to the tropical forest and antediluvian coal-mine; every animal function from the sponge up to Hercules, shall hint or thunder to man the laws of right and wrong, and echo the Ten Commandments. Therefore is nature ever the ally of Religion: lends all her pomp and riches to the religious sentiment. Prophet and priest, David, Isaiah, Jesus, have drawn deeply from this source. This ethical character so penetrates the bone and marrow of nature, as to seem the end for which it was made. Whatever private purpose is answered by any member or part, this is its public and universal function, and is never omitted. Nothing in nature is exhausted in its first use. When a thing has served an end to the uttermost, it is wholly new for an ulterior service. In God, every end is converted into a new means. Thus the use of commodity, regarded by itself, is mean and squalid. But it is to the mind an education in the doctrine of Use, namely, that a thing is good only so far as it serves; that a conspiring of parts and efforts to the production of an end, is essential to any being. The first and gross manifestation of this truth, is our inevitable and hated training in values and wants, in corn and meat.

It has already been illustrated, that every natural process is a version of a moral sentence. The moral law lies at the centre of nature and radiates to the circumference. It is the pith and marrow of every substance, every relation, and every process. All things with which we deal, preach to us. What is a farm but a mute gospel? The chaff and the wheat, weeds and plants, blight , rain, insects, sun, — it is a sacred emblem from the first furrow of spring to the last stack which the snow of winter overtakes in the fields. But the sailor, the shepherd, the miner, the merchant, in their several resorts, have each an experience precisely parallel, and leading to the same conclusion: because all organizations are radically alike. Nor can it be doubted that this moral sentiment which thus scents the air, grows in the grain, and impregnates the waters of the world, is caught by man and sinks into his soul. The moral influence of nature upon every individual is that amount of truth which it illustrates to him. Who can estimate this? Who can guess how much firmness the sea-beaten rock has taught the fisherman? how much tranquillity has been reflected to man from the azure sky, over whose unspotted deeps the winds forevermore drive flocks of stormy clouds, and leave no wrinkle or stain? how much industry and providence and affection we have caught from the pantomime of brutes? What a searching preacher of self-command is the varying phenomenon of Health!

Herein is especially apprehended the unity of Nature, — the unity in variety, — which meets us everywhere. All the endless variety of things make an identical impression. Xenophanes complained in his old age, that, look where he would, all things hastened back to Unity. He was weary of seeing the same entity in the tedious variety of forms. The fable of Proteus has a cordial truth. A leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole. Each particle is a microcosm, and faithfully renders the likeness of the world.

Not only resemblances exist in things whose analogy is obvious, as when we detect the type of the human hand in the flipper of the fossil saurus, but also in objects wherein there is great superficial unlikeness. Thus architecture is called "frozen music," by De Stael and Goethe. Vitruvius thought an architect should be a musician. "A Gothic church," said Coleridge, "is a petrified religion." Michael Angelo maintained, that, to an architect, a knowledge of anatomy is essential. In Haydn's oratorios, the notes present to the imagination not only motions, as, of the snake, the stag, and the elephant, but colors also; as the green grass. The law of harmonic sounds reappears in the harmonic colors. The granite is differenced in its laws only by the more or less of heat, from the river that wears it away. The river, as it flows, resembles the air that flows over it; the air resembles the light which traverses it with more subtile currents; the light resembles the heat which rides with it through Space. Each creature is only a modification of the other; the likeness in them is more than the difference, and their radical law is one and the same. A rule of one art, or a law of one organization, holds true throughout nature. So intimate is this Unity, that, it is easily seen, it lies under the undermost garment of nature, and betrays its source in Universal Spirit. For, it pervades Thought also. Every universal truth which we express in words, implies or supposes every other truth. Omne verum vero consonat . It is like a great circle on a sphere, comprising all possible circles; which, however, may be drawn, and comprise it, in like manner. Every such truth is the absolute Ens seen from one side. But it has innumerable sides.

The central Unity is still more conspicuous in actions. Words are finite organs of the infinite mind. They cannot cover the dimensions of what is in truth. They break, chop, and impoverish it. An action is the perfection and publication of thought. A right action seems to fill the eye, and to be related to all nature. "The wise man, in doing one thing, does all; or, in the one thing he does rightly, he sees the likeness of all which is done rightly."

Words and actions are not the attributes of brute nature. They introduce us to the human form, of which all other organizations appear to be degradations. When this appears among so many that surround it, the spirit prefers it to all others. It says, 'From such as this, have I drawn joy and knowledge; in such as this, have I found and beheld myself; I will speak to it; it can speak again; it can yield me thought already formed and alive.' In fact, the eye, — the mind, — is always accompanied by these forms, male and female; and these are incomparably the richest informations of the power and order that lie at the heart of things. Unfortunately, every one of them bears the marks as of some injury; is marred and superficially defective. Nevertheless, far different from the deaf and dumb nature around them, these all rest like fountain-pipes on the unfathomed sea of thought and virtue whereto they alone, of all organizations, are the entrances.

It were a pleasant inquiry to follow into detail their ministry to our education, but where would it stop? We are associated in adolescent and adult life with some friends, who, like skies and waters, are coextensive with our idea; who, answering each to a certain affection of the soul, satisfy our desire on that side; whom we lack power to put at such focal distance from us, that we can mend or even analyze them. We cannot choose but love them. When much intercourse with a friend has supplied us with a standard of excellence, and has increased our respect for the resources of God who thus sends a real person to outgo our ideal; when he has, moreover, become an object of thought, and, whilst his character retains all its unconscious effect, is converted in the mind into solid and sweet wisdom, — it is a sign to us that his office is closing, and he is commonly withdrawn from our sight in a short time.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Self Reliance

Ralph Waldo Emerson left the ministry to pursue a career in writing and public speaking. Emerson became one of America's best known and best-loved 19th-century figures. More About Emerson

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"Every man has his own courage, and is betrayed because he seeks in himself the courage of other persons." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Essay on Discipline: Sample Essays of 100, 200 & 400 Words

essay on discipline in nature

  • Updated on  
  • Apr 24, 2024

Essay on Discipline

Discipline is something that assists in keeping a person in control. According to Merriam-Webster ‘Discipline is control gained by enforcing order or obedience ‘. It also refers to orderly conduct or pattern of behaviour. Discipline motivates a person to progress and eventually achieve success. Hence, it is important. There are two types of discipline- induced discipline and self-discipline. An essay on discipline is usually given as a task in a school. Hence, we have provided sample essays on discipline in 200 words, 300 words, and 400 words. Keep reading to know more about the same.

To improve your essay writing skills, here are the top 200+ English Essay Topics for school students.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Essay on Discipline (100 Words)
  • 2 Essay on Discipline (200 Words)
  • 3 Essay on Discipline (400 Words)
  • 4 Short Essay on Discipline
  • 5 10 Lines on Discipline
  • 6 Quotes on Discipline in Students Life

Essay on Discipline (100 Words)

Discipline is a behaviour that encourages people to obey the set rules by an authority. It is important for every phase of life and helps to achieve success and fulfil dreams. Self-discipline helps in increasing confidence in people. For a student, it is the parents and teachers who teach discipline. A disciplined person can stay focused and stay committed to goals. It also helps in shaping the personality of a student. Thus discipline is helpful. Generally, a student is taught discipline at school. Those who are obedient at school can learn discipline. Thus, a good and healthy life can be achieved if a person is disciplined.

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

Essay on Discipline (200 Words)

Discipline means meeting all the commitments on schedule and following the order or rules. Discipline allows a person to understand how important time is, and respect people. A disciplined person has easily overcome hurdles and reaches their goals. Hence, it has a huge impact on the lives and behaviours of people.


Everyone’s life revolves around discipline. From childhood to adulthood it plays a crucial role in every phase of human life. Some of the places where discipline is important are the school, colleges, and universities. It is essential to boost confidence and focus to achieve goals.
Discipline allows a person to concentrate on their studies, obtain the marks required, and prepare well for the future. All these things are essential for the success of people. Moreover, it helps a person to become physically and mentally fit.

A disciplined person is someone who has full control of their actions, and thoughts. Moreover, a disciplined person can easily gather the respect of others. This is because discipline is the first step toward the success of an individual. Thus, such a person can easily live a happy and fulfilled life. 
Discipline is essential for hard work and focus. A way of life that is based on order can result in happiness and success. Not only does it help an individual to reach goals. It also helps a person feel good and gain control of life.


To build a successful life it is essential to have discipline in life. It is as important as oxygen or the air we breathe. Discipline eventually helps in the overall development of the human being. That is, it helps a person to be physically, and mentally fit work towards a goal, and achieve success in life.

Also Read: Essay on Christmas: 100 – 150, 250, and 500 Words

Also Read: Essay on Politics in 500 Words

Essay on Discipline (400 Words)

Discipline is one of the most important virtues in a person’s life. Discipline is a way to keep yourself and the actions that a person performs in check. There are two types of discipline induced discipline and self-discipline. It is one of the key aspects of becoming a successful individual. Disciplined person generally meets all their deadlines and fulfils all their responsibilities on time. Thus, such a person can work hard, stay focused, and achieve goals. In a student’s life, it is the family and teachers who play a key role in inculcating this virtue.


Discipline is significant for success. It is the first thing a person needs to do to start learning in life. It makes people sure of themselves and thus Moreover, it helps a person to achieve goals in life. Generally, a disciplined person gets more opportunities and chances in life. Several great individuals and prominent people were disciplined. For example , and . They were successful because they lived a disciplined life.


Discipline has several advantages. That is, everyone needs discipline if they want a smooth, and successful life. Those who do not inculcate this virtue often go through several difficulties. Students and professionals require discipline to work effectively. 
Moreover, discipline helps to gain respect in society. Everyone admires people who have good habits and are disciplined. Another advantage of discipline is that it helps a person to be punctual, work hard, and stay focused. Moreover, a disciplined person can become healthy and active.


In school, discipline is one of the most important factors that helps to determine if a student has a chance of becoming successful. Disciplined students are less stressed, motivated to study, focused, and active. Those who lack discipline in the academic sector won’t be able to perform well in their studies. To develop a good career, it is essential to be disciplined. Schools teach student discipline. Essentially, the value of time and time management is learned by the student. Teachers also prefer self-disciplined students.


Everyone needs discipline in their lives. It is important to achieve success in life. Without discipline, it is not possible to live a meaningful life. Hence, the need and value of discipline can’t be denied. That said, it can be hard to be disciplined in life as it requires continuous and persistent effort 

Short Essay on Discipline

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to achieve so much? A big part of their success might be something called discipline. It’s like a magic trick you can learn yourself.

Discipline means training yourself to do things even when you don’t feel like it. It’s like setting a goal, like practising piano every day, even if you’d rather watch TV. At first, it might feel tough.

But the more you practice, the easier it gets. Soon, you will be playing those cool songs you always wanted to learn.

Discipline helps us in many ways. It keeps us on track with schoolwork, lets us finish chores without complaining, and even helps us eat healthy foods. It’s like a superpower that makes us stronger and more focused.

Being disciplined is not always about big things. It can be as simple as making your bed every morning. These small habits add up to big results. You’ll feel proud of yourself for sticking to your plans, and that’s a pretty awesome feeling.

So, next time you want to achieve something, remember the power of discipline. With a little practice, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

10 Lines on Discipline

Also Read: Essay on Neeraj Chopra in English for School Students

Quotes on Discipline in Students Life

While writing the essay on disciple a student can include popular quotes. It can make their essays stand out. Moreover, reading quotes on discipline can inspire a student to be disciplined in their life, 

  • What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.”– Aristotle
  • Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”– Jim Rohn
  • “There is no magic wand that can resolve our problems. The solution rests with our work and discipline. ”Jose Eduardo dos Santos
  • “Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.”– Abraham Joshua Heschel
  • “For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories. ” Plato

Also Read: Essay on Technology

An essay on discipline talks about the importance of discipline in a person’s life. A disciple is something that keeps each person in control. It motivates a person to achieve success in their life.

Discipline means being consistent, and following the set rules or order. AA disciplined person will follow the written and unwritten rules. There are several unwritten rules in schools. A disciplined student will follow the written and unwritten rules.

A school discipline essay contains the introduction, body, and conclusion, A student needs to include the importance of discipline while writing the essay.

Check out our Popular Essay Topics for Students

Discipline refers to an orderly conduct or pattern of behaviour. It involves following the rules in a school or an organization. Self-discipline is also important for success in life.

For more information on such informative essay topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

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Blessy George is a Content Marketing Associate at Leverage Edu, boasting over a year of experience in the industry. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling content tailored to online courses, making her a go-to source for those navigating the vast landscape of digital learning. In addition to online classes, she writes content related to study abroad, English test preparation and visas. She has completed her MA degree in Political Science and has gained valuable experience as an intern.She is known for her extensive writing on various aspects of international education, garnering recognition for her insights and contributions. Apart from her professional pursuits, Blessy is passionate about creative writing, particularly poetry and songwriting.

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Thinking Through Philosophy, Culture, and Psychology

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Beauty, Truth, and Discipline: Emerson on Nature

What purpose does nature serve?

This is the question anchoring “Nature”, the landmark essay from Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Nature” embodies his Transcendental philosophy, posits the necessary connection between humanity and nature, and showcases Emerson’s trademark optimism. “Nature” is Emerson’s first published essay (1836) and marks the beginning of the Transcendental movement. He spent the remainder of his career lecturing and refining the theories originally laid out here.

Originally published as a 95-page book, the work is broken into eight chapters, each dealing with a specific way nature and man influence one another, and displays the interconnectedness of man with nature. The eight sections are nature, commodity, beauty, language, discipline, idealism, spirit, and a final section looking ahead to the prospects of humanity and nature in the future.

Emerson’s philosophy hinges on the realization that the brilliant thinkers and philosophers of centuries past, “saw God and nature face to face,” while we only experience ideas and nature through their words. Emerson encourages us to experience nature, morality, ideology, and every other aspect of life, for ourselves, investigating these things personally and coming to our own conclusions. We should bring fresh eyes to the universe and our experiences rather than relying on the theories and ideas of the past.

Nature and Commodity

For Emerson, divinity is present throughout nature and humanity. The problems we see between man and nature are due to humanity’s unresolved grievances within himself. Emerson does not explicitly detail what these grievances are, but we can surmise from his later work that he is alluding to the lack of personal values on an individual level through society, as well as exploiting and mining natural resources rather working in concert with nature.

The opening paragraph of his first section, also titled Nature, depicts how we take the natural world for granted, with a beautiful reflection on the availability of the stars, and sadly, the familiarity their nightly appearance brings,

“If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out those envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile.”

Further, as adults we grow immune to the charms and fascination of nature, far from the enthusiasm of children who love being outdoors and playing freely in nature. Emerson’s observation that the sun shines into the heart of a child, yet only into the eyes of a man is sobering. His words remind us of the amazing world we are surrounded by, yet often take for granted or ignore.

The next three sections details ways in which we use nature to glean insight into philosophical or spiritual problems.

Nature calms and replenishes us just by her presence. It is the birthright, Emerson claims, for man to explore the natural world, though many of us keep ourselves to a tidy little corner of the earth. Being in nature makes us aware of the majestic and spiritual aspect running throughout the natural world.

It is in beauty we find the answer to Emerson’s fundamental question. The purpose of nature is to fulfill the desire for beauty in each of us. “The world thus exists to the soul to satisfy the desire of beauty.” The beauty and wonder of nature are meant to be observed and appreciated, not harvested for resources to build things we don’t even need and create waste.

One of the most striking ideas Emerson presents involves the role and development of language. Language, if traced back far enough, illustrates that all ideas signify facts and that some of these natural facts convey spiritual facts. Emerson draws attention to the idea of light and darkness being reflected in our terms of knowledge and ignorance, where the light of knowledge eliminates the darkness of ignorance. Friedrich Nietzsche, who wrote passages of Emerson’s works into his journals, was surely inspired by this allusion and further developed the idea in Nietzsche’s On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense .

“As we go back in history, language becomes more picturesque, until its infancy, when it is all poetry; or all spiritual facts are represented by natural symbols. The symbols are found to make the original elements of all languages.”

Discipline, Idealism and Spirit

Though from a Unitarian background, Emerson here rejects the notion of a God separated from a physical earth, in favor of a pantheistic system, where divinity is found in all things. He details that what we call Reason in the intellectual setting is Spirit in the natural world. This Reason (spirit) is the creator in his Transcendentalist system. He would develop further these ideas in his essays “Circles” and “The Over-soul”, in his 1841 First Series.

“Nature is a discipline of the understanding in intellectual truths…. The moral influence of nature upon every individual is that amount of truth which it illustrates to him.”

Within nature itself are lessons of limits, likeness, and laws. We reflect these laws in our own conduct and societal rules. Emerson concludes that separation and gradation are marks of discernment, as nature illustrates that all things have value, but not all things are interchangeable.

“Water is good to drink, coal to burn, wool to wear; but wool cannot be drunk, nor water spun, nor coal eaten. The wise man show his wisdom in separation, in gradation, and his scale of creatures and of merits is as wide as nature.”

In Idealism, Emerson describes the different appearances of reality as we move through life; the material world changes while a spiritual constancy allows humanity to remain the same. In this way, an individual exerts a certain power over the world, and uses it for his or her own purpose. The poet aims for beauty, the philosopher for truth. Emerson continues, saying that nature conspires with spirit to free us, or allow us to transcend the material world.

In Spirit, Emerson declares that humans and nature are created from the same spirit, and that nature is separate and apart from human will. Nature is the perfect iteration of this birthing Spirit, and humanity has erred. It is in communing with nature we are able to work back toward our formerly perfect state. Together, these sections summarize the aims of Emerson’s Transcendent philosophy, namely that by communing with nature, humanity can transcend the material world. Finally, Emerson looks ahead to the future with the statement that man must look within himself in order to repair this rift with nature. He makes a passing reference to man as an eternal creature, and his concept of history as biography, which he would later detail.

Reception and Influence

This essay, along with his two subsequent collections of essays, compose the bulk of his literary works. Emerson’s ideas were published and well-received throughout America and Europe during his lifetime, elevating him to international acclaim. He was a lecturer around the country, speaking on his philosophy as well as the abolitionist movement. He essentially began the Transcendentalist movement with this essay, as it attracted like-minded individuals, including his friend Henry David Thoreau to Massachusetts to advance this philosophy. Because his work straddles several disciplines – such as philosophy, literature, theology and social commentary – scholars and nonacademics from diverse backgrounds have been impacted by his work.

Final Thoughts

It would be an understatement to call Emerson’s initial essay a glittering splash in American literature. The optimism of Emerson bubbles through his prose reminding us to think individually and embrace the beauty of nature as a refreshing balm for the soul. He broke through the noise of ritualized tradition to encourage individuals to question their participation in those traditions. Undoubtedly, part of Emerson’s enduring appeal is related to his tireless belief in the ability of people to look within themselves and rise to the occasion of living well. The weight of an impending Civil War – where opposing ideas around tradition and value demanded thousands of lives – clings to Emerson’s words, making them all the more remarkable. Even in such a dark and interminable time, Emerson was convinced of the possibility lying within each of us, and it is this optimism which continues to inspire his readers today. While society has changed in some ways, the importance and beauty found in Emerson’s words is steadfast regardless of the setting.

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Introduction Our age is retrospective. It builds the sepulchres of the fathers. It writes biographies, histories, and criticism. The foregoing generations beheld God and nature face to face; we, through their eyes. Why should not we also enjoy an original relation to the universe? Why should not we have a poetry and philosophy of insight and not of tradition, and a religion by revelation to us, and not the history of theirs? Embosomed for a season in nature, whose floods of life stream around and through us, and invite us by the powers they supply, to action proportioned to nature, why should we grope among the dry bones of the past, or put the living generation into masquerade out of its faded wardrobe? The sun shines to-day also. There is more wool and flax in the fields. There are new lands, new men, new thoughts. Let us demand our own works and laws and worship.

Undoubtedly we have no questions to ask which are unanswerable. We must trust the perfection of the creation so far, as to believe that whatever curiosity the order of things has awakened in our minds, the order of things can satisfy. Every man's condition is a solution in hieroglyphic to those inquiries he would put. He acts it as life, before he apprehends it as truth. In like manner, nature is already, in its forms and tendencies, describing its own design. Let us interrogate the great apparition, that shines so peacefully around us. Let us inquire, to what end is nature?

All science has one aim, namely, to find a theory of nature. We have theories of races and of functions, but scarcely yet a remote approach to an idea of creation. We are now so far from the road to truth, that religious teachers dispute and hate each other, and speculative men are esteemed unsound and frivolous. But to a sound judgment, the most abstract truth is the most practical. Whenever a true theory appears, it will be its own evidence. Its test is, that it will explain all phenomena. Now many are thought not only unexplained but inexplicable; as language, sleep, madness, dreams, beasts, sex.

Philosophically considered, the universe is composed of Nature and the Soul. Strictly speaking, therefore, all that is separate from us, all which Philosophy distinguishes as the NOT ME, that is, both nature and art, all other men andmy own body, must be ranked under this name, NATURE. In enumerating the values of nature and casting up their sum, I shall use the word in both senses; -- in its common and in its philosophical import. In inquiries so general as our present one, the inaccuracy is not material; no confusion of thought will occur. Nature, in the common sense, refers to essences unchanged by man; space, the air, the river, the leaf. Art is applied to the mixture of his will with the same things, as in a house, a canal, a statue, a picture. But his operations taken together are so insignificant, a little chipping, baking, patching, and washing, that in an impression so grand as that of the world on the human mind, they do not vary the result. Chapter I NATURETo go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society. I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me. But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will separate between him and what he touches. One might think the atmosphere was made transparent with this design, to give man, in the heavenly bodies, the perpetual presence of the sublime. Seen in the streets of cities, how great they are! If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile.

The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never wears a mean appearance. Neither does the wisest man extort her secret, and lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection. Nature never became a toy to a wise spirit. The flowers, the animals, the mountains, reflected the wisdom of his best hour, as much as they had delighted the simplicity of his childhood.

When we speak of nature in this manner, we have a distinct but most poetical sense in the mind. We mean the integrity of impression made by manifold natural objects. It is this which distinguishes the stick of timber of the wood-cutter, from the tree of the poet. The charming landscape which I saw this morning, is indubitably made up of some twenty or thirty farms. Miller owns this field, Locke that, and Manning the woodland beyond. But none of them owns the landscape. There is a property in the horizon which no man has but he whose eye can integrate all the parts, that is, the poet. This is the best part of these men's farms, yet to this their warranty-deeds give no title.

To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing. The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood. His intercourse with heaven and earth, becomes part of his daily food. In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows. Nature says, -- he is my creature, and maugre all his impertinent griefs, he shall be glad with me. Not the sun or the summer alone, but every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind, from breathless noon to grimmest midnight. Nature is a setting that fits equally well a comic or a mourning piece. In good health, the air is a cordial of incredible virtue. Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky, without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune, I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration. I am glad to the brink of fear. In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth. Within these plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire of them in a thousand years. In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, -- no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair. Standing on the bare ground, -- my head bathed by the blithe air, and uplifted into infinite space, -- all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God. The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental: to be brothers, to be acquaintances, -- master or servant, is then a trifle and a disturbance. I am the lover of uncontained and immortal beauty. In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature.

The greatest delight which the fields and woods minister, is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and the vegetable. I am not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to me, and I to them. The waving of the boughs in the storm, is new to me and old. It takes me by surprise, and yet is not unknown. Its effect is like that of a higher thought or a better emotion coming over me, when I deemed I was thinking justly or doing right.

Yet it is certain that the power to produce this delight, does not reside in nature, but in man, or in a harmony of both. It is necessary to use these pleasures with great temperance. For, nature is not always tricked in holiday attire, but the same scene which yesterday breathed perfume and glittered as for the frolic of the nymphs, is overspread with melancholy today. Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. To a man laboring under calamity, the heat of his own fire hath sadness in it. Then, there is a kind of contempt of the landscape felt by him who has just lost by death a dear friend. The sky is less grand as it shuts down over less worth in the population. Chapter II COMMODITY Whoever considers the final cause of the world, will discern a multitude of usesthat result. They all admit of being thrown into one of the following classes; Commodity; Beauty; Language; and Discipline.

Under the general name of Commodity, I rank all those advantages which our senses owe to nature. This, of course, is a benefit which is temporary and mediate, not ultimate, like its service to the soul. Yet although low, it is perfect in its kind, and is the only use of nature which all men apprehend. The misery of man appears like childish petulance, when we explore the steady and prodigal provision that has been made for his support and delight on this green ball which floats him through the heavens. What angels invented these splendid ornaments, these rich conveniences, this ocean of air above, this ocean of water beneath, this firmament of earth between? this zodiac of lights, this tent of dropping clouds, this striped coat of climates, this fourfold year? Beasts, fire, water, stones, and corn serve him. The field is at once his floor, his work-yard, his play-ground, his garden, and his bed. Nature, in its ministry to man, is not only the material, but is also the process and the result. All the parts incessantly work into each other's hands for the profit of man. The wind sows the seed; the sun evaporates the sea; the wind blows the vapor to the field; the ice, on the other side of the planet, condenses rain on this; the rain feeds the plant; the plant feeds the animal; and thus the endless circulations of the divine charity nourish man.

The useful arts are reproductions or new combinations by the wit of man, of the same natural benefactors. He no longer waits for favoring gales, but by means of steam, he realizes the fable of Aeolus's bag, and carries the two and thirty winds in the boiler of his boat. To diminish friction, he paves the road with iron bars, and, mounting a coach with a ship-load of men, animals, and merchandise behind him, he darts through the country, from town to town, like an eagle or a swallow through the air. By the aggregate of these aids, how is the face of the world changed, from the era of Noah to that of Napoleon! The private poor man hath cities, ships, canals, bridges, built for him. He goes to the post-office, and the human race run on his errands; to the book-shop, and the human race read and write of all that happens, for him; to the court-house, and nations repair his wrongs. He sets his house upon the road, and the human race go forth every morning, and shovel out the snow, and cut a path for him.

But there is no need of specifying particulars in this class of uses. The catalogue is endless, and the examples so obvious, that I shall leave them to the reader's reflection, with the general remark, that this mercenary benefit is one which has respect to a farther good. A man is fed, not that he may be fed, but that he may work. Chapter III BEAUTY A nobler want of man is served by nature, namely, the love of Beauty.

The ancient Greeks called the world {kosmos}, beauty. Such is the constitution of all things, or such the plastic power of the human eye, that the primary forms, as the sky, the mountain, the tree, the animal, give us a delight in and for themselves; a pleasure arising from outline, color, motion, and grouping. This seems partly owing to the eye itself. The eye is the best of artists. By the mutual action of its structure and of the laws of light, perspective is produced, which integrates every mass of objects, of what character soever, into a well colored and shaded globe, so that where the particular objects are mean and unaffecting, the landscape which they compose, is round and symmetrical. And as the eye is the best composer, so light is the first of painters. There is no object so foul that intense light will not make beautiful. And the stimulus it affords to the sense, and a sort of infinitude which it hath, like space and time, make all matter gay. Even the corpse has its own beauty. But besides this general grace diffused over nature, almost all the individual forms are agreeable to the eye, as is proved by our endless imitations of some of them, as the acorn, the grape, the pine-cone, the wheat-ear, the egg, the wings and forms of most birds, the lion's claw, the serpent, the butterfly, sea-shells, flames, clouds, buds, leaves, and the forms of many trees, as the palm.

For better consideration, we may distribute the aspects of Beauty in a threefold manner.

1. First, the simple perception of natural forms is a delight. The influence of the forms and actions in nature, is so needful to man, that, in its lowest functions, it seems to lie on the confines of commodity and beauty. To the body and mind which have been cramped by noxious work or company, nature is medicinal and restores their tone. The tradesman, the attorney comes out of the din and craft of the street, and sees the sky and the woods, and is a man again. In their eternal calm, he finds himself. The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.

But in other hours, Nature satisfies by its loveliness, and without any mixture of corporeal benefit. I see the spectacle of morning from the hill-top over against my house, from day-break to sun-rise, with emotions which an angel might share. The long slender bars of cloud float like fishes in the sea of crimson light. From the earth, as a shore, I look out into that silent sea. I seem to partake its rapid transformations: the active enchantment reaches my dust, and I dilate and conspire with the morning wind. How does Nature deify us with a few and cheap elements! Give me health and a day, and I will make the pomp of emperors ridiculous. The dawn is my Assyria; the sun-set and moon-rise my Paphos, and unimaginable realms of faerie; broad noon shall be my England of the senses and the understanding; the night shall be my Germany of mystic philosophy and dreams.

Not less excellent, except for our less susceptibility in the afternoon, was the charm, last evening, of a January sunset. The western clouds divided and subdivided themselves into pink flakes modulated with tints of unspeakable softness; and the air had so much life and sweetness, that it was a pain to come within doors. What was it that nature would say? Was there no meaning in the live repose of the valley behind the mill, and which Homer or Shakspeare could not reform for me in words? The leafless trees become spires of flame in the sunset, with the blue east for their back-ground, and the stars of the dead calices of flowers, and every withered stem and stubble rimed with frost, contribute something to the mute music.

The inhabitants of cities suppose that the country landscape is pleasant only half the year. I please myself with the graces of the winter scenery, and believe that we are as much touched by it as by the genial influences of summer. To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again. The heavens change every moment, and reflect their glory or gloom on the plains beneath. The state of the crop in the surrounding farms alters the expression of the earth from week to week. The succession of native plants in the pastures and roadsides, which makes the silent clock by which time tells the summer hours, will make even the divisions of the day sensible to a keen observer. The tribes of birds and insects, like the plants punctual to their time, follow each other, and the year has room for all. By water-courses, the variety is greater. In July, the blue pontederia or pickerel-weed blooms in large beds in the shallow parts of our pleasant river, and swarms with yellow butterflies in continual motion. Art cannot rival this pomp of purple and gold. Indeed the river is a perpetual gala, and boasts each month a new ornament.

But this beauty of Nature which is seen and felt as beauty, is the least part. The shows of day, the dewy morning, the rainbow, mountains, orchards in blossom, stars, moonlight, shadows in still water, and the like, if too eagerly hunted, become shows merely, and mock us with their unreality. Go out of the house to see the moon, and 't is mere tinsel; it will not please as when its light shines upon your necessary journey. The beauty that shimmers in the yellow afternoons of October, who ever could clutch it? Go forth to find it, and it is gone: 't is only a mirage as you look from the windows of diligence.

2. The presence of a higher, namely, of the spiritual element is essential to its perfection. The high and divine beauty which can be loved without effeminacy, is that which is found in combination with the human will. Beauty is the mark God sets upon virtue. Every natural action is graceful. Every heroic act is also decent, and causes the place and the bystanders to shine. We are taught by great actions that the universe is the property of every individual in it. Every rational creature has all nature for his dowry and estate. It is his, if he will. He may divest himself of it; he may creep into a corner, and abdicate his kingdom, as most men do, but he is entitled to the world by his constitution. In proportion to the energy of his thought and will, he takes up the world into himself. "All those things for which men plough, build, or sail, obey virtue;" said Sallust. "The winds and waves," said Gibbon, "are always on the side of the ablest navigators." So are the sun and moon and all the stars of heaven. When a noble act is done, -- perchance in a scene of great natural beauty; when Leonidas and his three hundred martyrs consume one day in dying, and the sun and moon come each and look at them once in the steep defile of Thermopylae; when Arnold Winkelried, in the high Alps, under the shadow of the avalanche, gathers in his side a sheaf of Austrian spears to break the line for his comrades; are not these heroes entitled to add the beauty of the scene to the beauty of the deed? When the bark of Columbus nears the shore of America; -- before it, the beach lined with savages, fleeing out of all their huts of cane; the sea behind; and the purple mountains of the Indian Archipelago around, can we separate the man from the living picture? Does not the New World clothe his form with her palm-groves and savannahs as fit drapery? Ever does natural beauty steal in like air, and envelope great actions. When Sir Harry Vane was dragged up the Tower-hill, sitting on a sled, to suffer death, as the champion of the English laws, one of the multitude cried out to him, "You never sate on so glorious a seat." Charles II., to intimidate the citizens of London, caused the patriot Lord Russel to be drawn in an open coach, through the principal streets of the city, on his way to the scaffold. "But," his biographer says, "the multitude imagined they saw liberty and virtue sitting by his side." In private places, among sordid objects, an act of truth or heroism seems at once to draw to itself the sky as its temple, the sun as its candle. Nature stretcheth out her arms to embrace man, only let his thoughts be of equal greatness. Willingly does she follow his steps with the rose and the violet, and bend her lines of grandeur and grace to the decoration of her darling child. Only let his thoughts be of equal scope, and the frame will suit the picture. A virtuous man is in unison with her works, and makes the central figure of the visible sphere. Homer, Pindar, Socrates, Phocion, associate themselves fitly in our memory with the geography and climate of Greece. The visible heavens and earth sympathize with Jesus. And in common life, whosoever has seen a person of powerful character and happy genius, will have remarked how easily he took all things along with him, -- the persons, the opinions, and the day, and nature became ancillary to a man.

3. There is still another aspect under which the beauty of the world may be viewed, namely, as it become s an object of the intellect. Beside the relation of things to virtue, they have a relation to thought. The intellect searches out the absolute order of things as they stand in the mind of God, and without the colors of affection. The intellectual and the active powers seem to succeed each other, and the exclusive activity of the one, generates the exclusive activity of the other. There is something unfriendly in each to the other, but they are like the alternate periods of feeding and working in animals; each prepares and will be followed by the other. Therefore does beauty, which, in relation to actions, as we have seen, comes unsought, and comes because it is unsought, remain for the apprehension and pursuit of the intellect; and then again, in its turn, of the active power. Nothing divine dies. All good is eternally reproductive. The beauty of nature reforms itself in the mind, and not for barren contemplation, but for new creation.

All men are in some degree impressed by the face of the world; some men even to delight. This love of beauty is Taste. Others have the same love in such excess, that, not content with admiring, they seek to embody it in new forms. The creation of beauty is Art.

The production of a work of art throws a light upon the mystery of humanity. A work of art is an abstract or epitome of the world. It is the result or expression of nature, in miniature. For, although the works of nature are innumerable and all different, the result or the expression of them all is similar and single. Nature is a sea of forms radically alike and even unique. A leaf, a sun-beam, a landscape, the ocean, make an analogous impression on the mind. What is common to them all, -- that perfectness and harmony, is beauty. The standard of beauty is the entire circuit of natural forms, -- the totality of nature; which the Italians expressed by defining beauty "il piu nell' uno." Nothing is quite beautiful alone: nothing but is beautiful in the whole. A single object is only so far beautiful as it suggests this universal grace. The poet, the painter, the sculptor, the musician, the architect, seek each to concentrate this radiance of the world on one point, and each in his several work to satisfy the love of beauty which stimulates him to produce. Thus is Art, a nature passed through the alembic of man. Thus in art, does nature work through the will of a man filled with the beauty of her first works.

The world thus exists to the soul to satisfy the desire of beauty. This element I call an ultimate end. No reason can be asked or given why the soul seeks beauty. Beauty, in its largest and profoundest sense, is one expression for the universe. God is the all-fair. Truth, and goodness, and beauty, are but different faces of the same All. But beauty in nature is not ultimate. It is the herald of inward and eternal beauty, and is not alone a solid and satisfactory good. It must stand as a part, and not as yet the last or highest expression of the final cause of Nature. Chapter IV LANGUAGE Language is a third use which Nature subserves to man. Nature is the vehble, and threefold degree.

1. Words are signs of natural facts.

2. Particular natural facts are symbols of particular spiritual facts.

3. Nature is the symbol of spirit.

1. Words are signs of natural facts. The use of natural history is to give us aid in supernatural history: the use of the outer creation, to give us language for the beings and changes of the inward creation. Every word which is used to express a moral or intellectual fact, if traced to its root, is found to be borrowed from some material appearance. means ; means . primarily means ; , the crossing of a ; , the . We say the to express emotion, the to denote thought; and and re words borrowed from sensible things, and now appropriated to spiritual nature. Most of the process by which this transformation is made, is hidden from us in the remote time when language was framed; but the same tendency may be daily observed in children. Children and savages use only nouns or names of things, which they convert into verbs, and apply to analogous mental acts.

2. But this origin of all words that convey a spiritual import, -- so conspicuous a fact in the history of language, -- is our least debt to nature. It is not words only that are emblematic; it is things which are emblematic. Every natural fact is a symbol of some spiritual fact. Every appearance in nature corresponds to some state of the mind, and that state of the mind can only be described by presenting that natural appearance as its picture. An enraged man is a lion, a cunning man is a fox, a firm man is a rock, a learned man is a torch. A lamb is innocence; a snake is subtle spite; flowers express to us the delicate affections. Light and darkness are our familiar expression for knowledge and ignorance; and heat for love. Visible distance behind and before us, is respectively our image of memory and hope.

Who looks upon a river in a meditative hour, and is not reminded of the flux of all things? Throw a stone into the stream, and the circles that propagate themselves are the beautiful type of all influence. Man is conscious of a universal soul within or behind his individual life, wherein, as in a firmament, the natures of Justice, Truth, Love, Freedom, arise and shine. This universal soul, he calls Reason: it is not mine, or thine, or his, but we are its; we are its property and men. And the blue sky in which the private earth is buried, the sky with its eternal calm, and full of everlasting orbs, is the type of Reason. That which, intellectually considered, we call Reason, considered in relation to nature, we call Spirit. Spirit is the Creator. Spirit hath life in itself. And man in all ages and countries, embodies it in his language, as the FATHER.

It is easily seen that there is nothing lucky or capricious in these analogies, but that they are constant, and pervade nature. These are not the dreams of a few poets, here and there, but man is an analogist, and studies relations in all objects. He is placed in the centre of beings, and a ray of relation passes from every other being to him. And neither can man be understood without these objects, nor these objects without man. All the facts in natural history taken by themselves, have no value, but are barren, like a single sex. But marry it to human history, and it is full of life. Whole Floras, all Linnaeus' and Buffon's volumes, are dry catalogues of facts; but the most trivial of these facts, the habit of a plant, the organs, or work, or noise of an insect, applied to the illustration of a fact in intellectual philosophy, or, in any way associated to human nature, affects us in the most lively and agreeable manner. The seed of a plant, -- to what affecting analogies in the nature of man, is that little fruit made use of, in all discourse, up to the voice of Paul, who calls the human corpse a seed, -- "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." The motion of the earth round its axis, and round the sun, makes the day, and the year. These are certain amounts of brute light and heat. But is there no intent of an analogy between man's life and the seasons? And do the seasons gain no grandeur or pathos from that analogy? The instincts of the ant are very unimportant, considered as the ant's; but the moment a ray of relation is seen to extend from it to man, and the little drudge is seen to be a monitor, a little body with a mighty heart, then all its habits, even that said to be recently observed, that it never sleeps, become sublime.

Because of this radical correspondence between visible things and human thoughts, savages, who have only what is necessary, converse in figures. As we go back in history, language becomes more picturesque, until its infancy, when it is all poetry; or all spiritual facts are represented by natural symbols. The same symbols are found to make the original elements of all languages. It has moreover been observed, that the idioms of all languages approach each other in passages of the greatest eloquence and power. And as this is the first language, so is it the last. This immediate dependence of language upon nature, this conversion of an outward phenomenon into a type of somewhat in human life, never loses its power to affect us. It is this which gives that piquancy to the conversation of a strong-natured farmer or back-woodsman, which all men relish.

A man's power to connect his thought with its proper symbol, and so to utter it, depends on the simplicity of his character, that is, upon his love of truth, and his desire to communicate it without loss. The corruption of man is followed by the corruption of language. When simplicity of character and the sovereignty of ideas is broken up by the prevalence of secondary desires, the desire of riches, of pleasure, of power, and of praise, -- and duplicity and falsehood take place of simplicity and truth, the power over nature as an interpreter of the will, is in a degree lost; new imagery ceases to be created, and old words are perverted to stand for things which are not; a paper currency is employed, when there is no bullion in the vaults. In due time, the fraud is manifest, and words lose all power to stimulate the understanding or the affections. Hundreds of writers may be found in every long-civilized nation, who for a short time believe, and make others believe, that they see and utter truths, who do not of themselves clothe one thought in its natural garment, but who feed unconsciously on the language created by the primary writers of the country, those, namely, who hold primarily on nature.

But wise men pierce this rotten diction and fasten words again to visible things; so that picturesque language is at once a commanding certificate that he who employs it, is a man in alliance with truth and God. The moment our discourse rises above the ground line of familiar facts, and is inflamed with passion or exalted by thought, it clothes itself in images. A man conversing in earnest, if he watch his intellectual processes, will find that a material image, more or less luminous, arises in his mind, cotemporaneous with every thought, which furnishes the vestment of the thought. Hence, good writing and brilliant discourse are perpetual allegories. This imagery is spontaneous. It is the blending of experience with the present action of the mind. It is proper creation. It is the working of the Original Cause through the instruments he has already made.

These facts may suggest the advantage which the country-life possesses for a powerful mind, over the artificial and curtailed life of cities. We know more from nature than we can at will communicate. Its light flows into the mind evermore, and we forget its presence. The poet, the orator, bred in the woods, whose senses have been nourished by their fair and appeasing changes, year after year, without design and without heed, -- shall not lose their lesson altogether, in the roar of cities or the broil of politics. Long hereafter, amidst agitation and terror in national councils, -- in the hour of revolution, -- these solemn images shall reappear in their morning lustre, as fit symbols and words of the thoughts which the passing events shall awaken. At the call of a noble sentiment, again the woods wave, the pines murmur, the river rolls and shines, and the cattle low upon the mountains, as he saw and heard them in his infancy. And with these forms, the spells of persuasion, the keys of power are put into his hands.

3. We are thus assisted by natural objects in the expression of particular meanings. But how great a language to convey such pepper-corn informations! Did it need such noble races of creatures, this profusion of forms, this host of orbs in heaven, to furnish man with the dictionary and grammar of his municipal speech? Whilst we use this grand cipher to expedite the affairs of our pot and kettle, we feel that we have not yet put it to its use, neither are able. We are like travellers using the cinders of a volcano to roast their eggs. Whilst we see that it always stands ready to clothe what we would say, we cannot avoid the question, whether the characters are not significant of themselves. Have mountains, and waves, and skies, no significance but what we consciously give them, when we employ them as emblems of our thoughts? The world is emblematic. Parts of speech are metaphors, because the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind. The laws of moral nature answer to those of matter as face to face in a glass. "The visible world and the relation of its parts, is the dial plate of the invisible." The axioms of physics translate the laws of ethics. Thus, "the whole is greater than its part;" "reaction is equal to action;" "the smallest weight may be made to lift the greatest, the difference of weight being compensated by time;" and many the like propositions, which have an ethical as well as physical sense. These propositions have a much more extensive and universal sense when applied to human life, than when confined to technical use.

In like manner, the memorable words of history, and the proverbs of nations, consist usually of a natural fact, selected as a picture or parable of a moral truth. Thus; A rolling stone gathers no moss; A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; A cripple in the right way, will beat a racer in the wrong; Make hay while the sun shines; 'T is hard to carry a full cup even; Vinegar is the son of wine; The last ounce broke the camel's back; Long-lived trees make roots first; -- and the like. In their primary sense these are trivial facts, but we repeat them for the value of their analogical import. What is true of proverbs, is true of all fables, parables, and allegories.

This relation between the mind and matter is not fancied by some poet, but stands in the will of God, and so is free to be known by all men. It appears to men, or it does not appear. When in fortunate hours we ponder this miracle, the wise man doubts, if, at all other times, he is not blind and deaf; for the universe becomes transparent, and the light of higher laws than its own, shines through it. It is the standing problem which has exercised the wonder and the study of every fine genius since the world began; from the era of the Egyptians and the Brahmins, to that of Pythagoras, of Plato, of Bacon, of Leibnitz, of Swedenborg. There sits the Sphinx at the road-side, and from age to age, as each prophet comes by, he tries his fortune at reading her riddle. There seems to be a necessity in spirit to manifest itself in material forms; and day and night, river and storm, beast and bird, acid and alkali, preexist in necessary Ideas in the mind of God, and are what they are by virtue of preceding affections, in the world of spirit. A Fact is the end or last issue of spirit. The visible creation is the terminus or the circumference of the invisible world. "Material objects," said a French philosopher, "are necessarily kinds of scoriae of the substantial thoughts of the Creator, which must always preserve an exact relation to their first origin; in other words, visible nature must have a spiritual and moral side."

This doctrine is abstruse, and though the images of "garment," "scoriae," "mirror," &c., may stimulate the fancy, we must summon the aid of subtler and more vital expositors to make it plain. "Every scripture is to be interpreted by the same spirit which gave it forth," -- is the fundamental law of criticism. A life in harmony with nature, the love of truth and of virtue, will purge the eyes to understand her text. By degrees we may come to know the primitive sense of the permanent objects of nature, so that the world shall be to us an open book, and every form significant of its hidden life and final cause.

A new interest surprises us, whilst, under the view now suggested, we contemplate the fearful extent and multitude of objects; since "every object rightly seen, unlocks a new faculty of the soul." That which was unconscious truth, becomes, when interpreted and defined in an object, a part of the domain of knowledge, -- a new weapon in the magazine of power. Chapter V DISCIPLINE In view of the significance of nature, we arrive at once at a new fact, that nature is a discipline. This use of the world includes the preceding uses, as parts of itself.

Space, time, society, labor, climate, food, locomotion, the animals, the mechanical forces, give us sincerest lessons, day by day, whose meaning is unlimited. They educate both the Understanding and the Reason. Every property of matter is a school for the understanding, -- its solidity or resistance, its inertia, its extension, its figure, its divisibility. The understanding adds, divides, combines, measures, and finds nutriment and room for its activity in this worthy scene. Meantime, Reason transfers all these lessons into its own world of thought, by perceiving the analogy that marries Matter and Mind.

1. Nature is a discipline of the understanding in intellectual truths. Our dealing with sensible objects is a constant exercise in the necessary lessons of difference, of likeness, of order, of being and seeming, of progressive arrangement; of ascent from particular to general; of combination to one end of manifold forces. Proportioned to the importance of the organ to be formed, is the extreme care with which its tuition is provided, -- a care pretermitted in no single case. What tedious training, day after day, year after year, never ending, to form the common sense; what continual reproduction of annoyances, inconveniences, dilemmas; what rejoicing over us of little men; what disputing of prices, what reckonings of interest, -- and all to form the Hand of the mind; -- to instruct us that "good thoughts are no better than good dreams, unless they be executed!"

The same good office is performed by Property and its filial systems of debt and credit. Debt, grinding debt, whose iron face the widow, the orphan, and the sons of genius fear and hate; -- debt, which consumes so much time, which so cripples and disheartens a great spirit with cares that seem so base, is a preceptor whose lessons cannot be forgone, and is needed most by those who suffer from it most. Moreover, property, which has been well compared to snow, -- "if it fall level to-day, it will be blown into drifts to-morrow," -- is the surface action of internal machinery, like the index on the face of a clock. Whilst now it is the gymnastics of the understanding, it is hiving in the foresight of the spirit, experience in profounder laws.

The whole character and fortune of the individual are affected by the least inequalities in the culture of the understanding; for example, in the perception of differences. Therefore is Space, and therefore Time, that man may know that things are not huddled and lumped, but sundered and individual. A bell and a plough have each their use, and neither can do the office of the other. Water is good to drink, coal to burn, wool to wear; but wool cannot be drunk, nor water spun, nor coal eaten. The wise man shows his wisdom in separation, in gradation, and his scale of creatures and of merits is as wide as nature. The foolish have no range in their scale, but suppose every man is as every other man. What is not good they call the worst, and what is not hateful, they call the best.

In like manner, what good heed, nature forms in us! She pardons no mistakes. Her yea is yea, and her nay, nay.

The first steps in Agriculture, Astronomy, Zoology, (those first steps which the farmer, the hunter, and the sailor take,) teach that nature's dice are always loaded; that in her heaps and rubbish are concealed sure and useful results.

How calmly and genially the mind apprehends one after another the laws of physics! What noble emotions dilate the mortal as he enters into the counsels of the creation, and feels by knowledge the privilege to BE! His insight refines him. The beauty of nature shines in his own breast. Man is greater that he can see this, and the universe less, because Time and Space relations vanish as laws are known.

Here again we are impressed and even daunted by the immense Universe to be explored. "What we know, is a point to what we do not know." Open any recent journal of science, and weigh the problems suggested concerning Light, Heat, Electricity, Magnetism, Physiology, Geology, and judge whether the interest of natural science is likely to be soon exhausted.

Passing by many particulars of the discipline of nature, we must not omit to specify two.

The exercise of the Will or the lesson of power is taught in every event. From the child's successive possession of his several senses up to the hour when he saith, "Thy will be done!" he is learning the secret, that he can reduce under his will, not only particular events, but great classes, nay the whole series of events, and so conform all facts to his character. Nature is thoroughly mediate. It is made to serve. It receives the dominion of man as meekly as the ass on which the Saviour rode. It offers all its kingdoms to man as the raw material which he may mould into what is useful. Man is never weary of working it up. He forges the subtile and delicate air into wise and melodious words, and gives them wing as angels of persuasion and command. One after another, his victorious thought comes up with and reduces all things, until the world becomes, at last, only a realized will, -- the double of the man.

2. Sensible objects conform to the premonitions of Reason and reflect the conscience. All things are moral; and in their boundless changes have an unceasing reference to spiritual nature. Therefore is nature glorious with form, color, and motion, that every globe in the remotest heaven; every chemical change from the rudest crystal up to the laws of life; every change of vegetation from the first principle of growth in the eye of a leaf, to the tropical forest and antediluvian coal-mine; every animal function from the sponge up to Hercules, shall hint or thunder to man the laws of right and wrong, and echo the Ten Commandments. Therefore is nature ever the ally of Religion: lends all her pomp and riches to the religious sentiment. Prophet and priest, David, Isaiah, Jesus, have drawn deeply from this source. This ethical character so penetrates the bone and marrow of nature, as to seem the end for which it was made. Whatever private purpose is answered by any member or part, this is its public and universal function, and is never omitted. Nothing in nature is exhausted in its first use. When a thing has served an end to the uttermost, it is wholly new for an ulterior service. In God, every end is converted into a new means. Thus the use of commodity, regarded by itself, is mean and squalid. But it is to the mind an education in the doctrine of Use, namely, that a thing is good only so far as it serves; that a conspiring of parts and efforts to the production of an end, is essential to any being. The first and gross manifestation of this truth, is our inevitable and hated training in values and wants, in corn and meat.

It has already been illustrated, that every natural process is a version of a moral sentence. The moral law lies at the centre of nature and radiates to the circumference. It is the pith and marrow of every substance, every relation, and every process. All things with which we deal, preach to us. What is a farm but a mute gospel? The chaff and the wheat, weeds and plants, blight, rain, insects, sun, -- it is a sacred emblem from the first furrow of spring to the last stack which the snow of winter overtakes in the fields. But the sailor, the shepherd, the miner, the merchant, in their several resorts, have each an experience precisely parallel, and leading to the same conclusion: because all organizations are radically alike. Nor can it be doubted that this moral sentiment which thus scents the air, grows in the grain, and impregnates the waters of the world, is caught by man and sinks into his soul. The moral influence of nature upon every individual is that amount of truth which it illustrates to him. Who can estimate this? Who can guess how much firmness the sea-beaten rock has taught the fisherman? how much tranquillity has been reflected to man from the azure sky, over whose unspotted deeps the winds forevermore drive flocks of stormy clouds, and leave no wrinkle or stain? how much industry and providence and affection we have caught from the pantomime of brutes? What a searching preacher of self-command is the varying phenomenon of Health!

Herein is especially apprehended the unity of Nature, -- the unity in variety, -- which meets us everywhere. All the endless variety of things make an identical impression. Xenophanes complained in his old age, that, look where he would, all things hastened back to Unity. He was weary of seeing the same entity in the tedious variety of forms. The fable of Proteus has a cordial truth. A leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole. Each particle is a microcosm, and faithfully renders the likeness of the world.

Not only resemblances exist in things whose analogy is obvious, as when we detect the type of the human hand in the flipper of the fossil saurus, but also in objects wherein there is great superficial unlikeness. Thus architecture is called "frozen music," by De Stael and Goethe. Vitruvius thought an architect should be a musician. "A Gothic church," said Coleridge, "is a petrified religion." Michael Angelo maintained, that, to an architect, a knowledge of anatomy is essential. In Haydn's oratorios, the notes present to the imagination not only motions, as, of the snake, the stag, and the elephant, but colors also; as the green grass. The law of harmonic sounds reappears in the harmonic colors. The granite is differenced in its laws only by the more or less of heat, from the river that wears it away. The river, as it flows, resembles the air that flows over it; the air resembles the light which traverses it with more subtile currents; the light resembles the heat which rides with it through Space. Each creature is only a modification of the other; the likeness in them is more than the difference, and their radical law is one and the same. A rule of one art, or a law of one organization, holds true throughout nature. So intimate is this Unity, that, it is easily seen, it lies under the undermost garment of nature, and betrays its source in Universal Spirit. For, it pervades Thought also. Every universal truth which we express in words, implies or supposes every other truth. It is like a great circle on a sphere, comprising all possible circles; which, however, may be drawn, and comprise it, in like manner. Every such truth is the absolute Ens seen from one side. But it has innumerable sides.

The central Unity is still more conspicuous in actions. Words are finite organs of the infinite mind. They cannot cover the dimensions of what is in truth. They break, chop, and impoverish it. An action is the perfection and publication of thought. A right action seems to fill the eye, and to be related to all nature. "The wise man, in doing one thing, does all; or, in the one thing he does rightly, he sees the likeness of all which is done rightly."

Words and actions are not the attributes of brute nature. They introduce us to the human form, of which all other organizations appear to be degradations. When this appears among so many that surround it, the spirit prefers it to all others. It says, `From such as this, have I drawn joy and knowledge; in such as this, have I found and beheld myself; I will speak to it; it can speak again; it can yield me thought already formed and alive.' In fact, the eye, -- the mind, -- is always accompanied by these forms, male and female; and these are incomparably the richest informations of the power and order that lie at the heart of things. Unfortunately, every one of them bears the marks as of some injury; is marred and superficially defective. Nevertheless, far different from the deaf and dumb nature around them, these all rest like fountain-pipes on the unfathomed sea of thought and virtue whereto they alone, of all organizations, are the entrances.

It were a pleasant inquiry to follow into detail their ministry to our education, but where would it stop? We are associated in adolescent and adult life with some friends, who, like skies and waters, are coextensive with our idea; who, answering each to a certain affection of the soul, satisfy our desire on that side; whom we lack power to put at such focal distance from us, that we can mend or even analyze them. We cannot choose but love them. When much intercourse with a friend has supplied us with a standard of excellence, and has increased our respect for the resources of God who thus sends a real person to outgo our ideal; when he has, moreover, become an object of thought, and, whilst his character retains all its unconscious effect, is converted in the mind into solid and sweet wisdom, -- it is a sign to us that his office is closing, and he is commonly withdrawn from our sight in a short time. Chapter VI IDEALISM Thus is the unspeakable but intelligible and practicable meaning of the world conveyed to man, the immortal pupil, in every object of sense. To this one end of Discipline, all parts of nature conspire.

A noble doubt perpetually suggests itself, whether this end be not the Final Cause of the Universe; and whether nature outwardly exists. It is a sufficient account of that Appearance we call the World, that God will teach a human mind, and so makes it the receiver of a certain number of congruent sensations, which we call sun and moon, man and woman, house and trade. In my utter impotence to test the authenticity of the report of my senses, to know whether the impressions they make on me correspond with outlying objects, what difference does it make, whether Orion is up there in heaven, or some god paints the image in the firmament of the soul? The relations of parts and the end of the whole remaining the same, what is the difference, whether land and sea interact, and worlds revolve and intermingle without number or end, -- deep yawning under deep, and galaxy balancing galaxy, throughout absolute space, -- or, whether, without relations of time and space, the same appearances are inscribed in the constant faith of man? Whether nature enjoy a substantial existence without, or is only in the apocalypse of the mind, it is alike useful and alike venerable to me. Be it what it may, it is ideal to me, so long as I cannot try the accuracy of my senses.

The frivolous make themselves merry with the Ideal theory, as if its consequences were burlesque; as if it affected the stability of nature. It surely does not. God never jests with us, and will not compromise the end of nature, by permitting any inconsequence in its procession. Any distrust of the permanence of laws, would paralyze the faculties of man. Their permanence is sacredly respected, and his faith therein is perfect. The wheels and springs of man are all set to the hypothesis of the permanence of nature. We are not built like a ship to be tossed, but like a house to stand. It is a natural consequence of this structure, that, so long as the active powers predominate over the reflective, we resist with indignation any hint that nature is more short-lived or mutable than spirit. The broker, the wheelwright, the carpenter, the toll-man, are much displeased at the intimation.

But whilst we acquiesce entirely in the permanence of natural laws, the question of the absolute existence of nature still remains open. It is the uniform effect of culture on the human mind, not to shake our faith in the stability of particular phenomena, as of heat, water, azote; but to lead us to regard nature as a phenomenon, not a substance; to attribute necessary existence to spirit; to esteem nature as an accident and an effect.

To the senses and the unrenewed understanding, belongs a sort of instinctive belief in the absolute existence of nature. In their view, man and nature are indissolubly joined. Things are ultimates, and they never look beyond their sphere. The presence of Reason mars this faith. The first effort of thought tends to relax this despotism of the senses, which binds us to nature as if we were a part of it, and shows us nature aloof, and, as it were, afloat. Until this higher agency intervened, the animal eye sees, with wonderful accuracy, sharp outlines and colored surfaces. When the eye of Reason opens, to outline and surface are at once added, grace and expression. These proceed from imagination and affection, and abate somewhat of the angular distinctness of objects. If the Reason be stimulated to more earnest vision, outlines and surfaces become transparent, and are no longer seen; causes and spirits are seen through them. The best moments of life are these delicious awakenings of the higher powers, and the reverential withdrawing of nature before its God.

Let us proceed to indicate the effects of culture. 1. Our first institution in the Ideal philosophy is a hint from nature herself.

Nature is made to conspire with spirit to emancipate us. Certain mechanical changes, a small alteration in our local position apprizes us of a dualism. We are strangely affected by seeing the shore from a moving ship, from a balloon, or through the tints of an unusual sky. The least change in our point of view, gives the whole world a pictorial air. A man who seldom rides, needs only to get into a coach and traverse his own town, to turn the street into a puppet-show. The men, the women, -- talking, running, bartering, fighting, -- the earnest mechanic, the lounger, the beggar, the boys, the dogs, are unrealized at once, or, at least, wholly detached from all relation to the observer, and seen as apparent, not substantial beings. What new thoughts are suggested by seeing a face of country quite familiar, in the rapid movement of the rail-road car! Nay, the most wonted objects, (make a very slight change in the point of vision,) please us most. In a camera obscura, the butcher's cart, and the figure of one of our own family amuse us. So a portrait of a well-known face gratifies us. Turn the eyes upside down, by looking at the landscape through your legs, and how agreeable is the picture, though you have seen it any time these twenty years!

In these cases, by mechanical means, is suggested the difference between the observer and the spectacle, -- between man and nature. Hence arises a pleasure mixed with awe; I may say, a low degree of the sublime is felt from the fact, probably, that man is hereby apprized, that, whilst the world is a spectacle, something in himself is stable.

2. In a higher manner, the poet communicates the same pleasure. By a few strokes he delineates, as on air, the sun, the mountain, the camp, the city, the hero, the maiden, not different from what we know them, but only lifted from the ground and afloat before the eye. He unfixes the land and the sea, makes them revolve around the axis of his primary thought, and disposes them anew. Possessed himself by a heroic passion, he uses matter as symbols of it. The sensual man conforms thoughts to things; the poet conforms things to his thoughts. The one esteems nature as rooted and fast; the other, as fluid, and impresses his being thereon. To him, the refractory world is ductile and flexible; he invests dust and stones with humanity, and makes them the words of the Reason. The Imagination may be defined to be, the use which the Reason makes of the material world. Shakspeare possesses the power of subordinating nature for the purposes of expression, beyond all poets. His imperial muse tosses the creation like a bauble from hand to hand, and uses it to embody any caprice of thought that is upper-most in his mind. The remotest spaces of nature are visited, and the farthest sundered things are brought together, by a subtle spiritual connection. We are made aware that magnitude of material things is relative, and all objects shrink and expand to serve the passion of the poet. Thus, in his sonnets, the lays of birds, the scents and dyes of flowers, he finds to be the of his beloved; time, which keeps her from him, is his ; the suspicion she has awakened, is her ; His passion is not the fruit of chance; it swells, as he speaks, to a city, or a state. In the strength of his constancy, the Pyramids seem to him recent and transitory. The freshness of youth and love dazzles him with its resemblance to morning. The wild beauty of this hyperbole, I may say, in passing, it would not be easy to match in literature.

This transfiguration which all material objects undergo through the passion of the poet, -- this power which he exerts to dwarf the great, to magnify the small, -- might be illustrated by a thousand examples from his Plays. I have before me the Tempest, and will cite only these few lines. Prospero calls for music to soothe the frantic Alonzo, and his companions; Again;

The perception of real affinities between events, (that is to say, of ideal affinities, for those only are real,) enables the poet thus to make free with the most imposing forms and phenomena of the world, and to assert the predominance of the soul.

3. Whilst thus the poet animates nature with his own thoughts, he differs from the philosopher only herein, that the one proposes Beauty as his main end; the other Truth. But the philosopher, not less than the poet, postpones the apparent order and relations of things to the empire of thought. "The problem of philosophy," according to Plato, "is, for all that exists conditionally, to find a ground unconditioned and absolute." It proceeds on the faith that a law determines all phenomena, which being known, the phenomena can be predicted. That law, when in the mind, is an idea. Its beauty is infinite. The true philosopher and the true poet are one, and a beauty, which is truth, and a truth, which is beauty, is the aim of both. Is not the charm of one of Plato's or Aristotle's definitions, strictly like that of the Antigone of Sophocles? It is, in both cases, that a spiritual life has been imparted to nature; that the solid seeming block of matter has been pervaded and dissolved by a thought; that this feeble human being has penetrated the vast masses of nature with an informing soul, and recognised itself in their harmony, that is, seized their law. In physics, when this is attained, the memory disburthens itself of its cumbrous catalogues of particulars, and carries centuries of observation in a single formula.

Thus even in physics, the material is degraded before the spiritual. The astronomer, the geometer, rely on their irrefragable analysis, and disdain the results of observation. The sublime remark of Euler on his law of arches, "This will be found contrary to all experience, yet is true;" had already transferred nature into the mind, and left matter like an outcast corpse.

4. Intellectual science has been observed to beget invariably a doubt of the existence of matter. Turgot said, "He that has never doubted the existence of matter, may be assured he has no aptitude for metaphysical inquiries." It fastens the attention upon immortal necessary uncreated natures, that is, upon Ideas; and in their presence, we feel that the outward circumstance is a dream and a shade. Whilst we wait in this Olympus of gods, we think of nature as an appendix to the soul. We ascend into their region, and know that these are the thoughts of the Supreme Being. "These are they who were set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When he prepared the heavens, they were there; when he established the clouds above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep. Then they were by him, as one brought up with him. Of them took he counsel."

Their influence is proportionate. As objects of science, they are accessible to few men. Yet all men are capable of being raised by piety or by passion, into their region. And no man touches these divine natures, without becoming, in some degree, himself divine. Like a new soul, they renew the body. We become physically nimble and lightsome; we tread on air; life is no longer irksome, and we think it will never be so. No man fears age or misfortune or death, in their serene company, for he is transported out of the district of change. Whilst we behold unveiled the nature of Justice and Truth, we learn the difference between the absolute and the conditional or relative. We apprehend the absolute. As it were, for the first time, we exist. We become immortal, for we learn that time and space are relations of matter; that, with a perception of truth, or a virtuous will, they have no affinity.

5. Finally, religion and ethics, which may be fitly called, -- the practice of ideas, or the introduction of ideas into life, -- have an analogous effect with all lower culture, in degrading nature and suggesting its dependence on spirit. Ethics and religion differ herein; that the one is the system of human duties commencing from man; the other, from God. Religion includes the personality of God; Ethics does not. They are one to our present design. They both put nature under foot. The first and last lesson of religion is, "The things that are seen, are temporal; the things that are unseen, are eternal." It puts an affront upon nature. It does that for the unschooled, which philosophy does for Berkeley and Viasa. The uniform language that may be heard in the churches of the most ignorant sects, is,------"Contemn the unsubstantial shows of the world; they are vanities, dreams, shadows, unrealities; seek the realities of religion." The devotee flouts nature. Some theosophists have arrived at a certain hostility and indignation towards matter, as the Manichean and Plotinus. They distrusted in themselves any looking back to these flesh-pots of Egypt. Plotinus was ashamed of his body. In short, they might all say of matter, what Michael Angelo said of external beauty, "it is the frail and weary weed, in which God dresses the soul, which he has called into time."

It appears that motion, poetry, physical and intellectual science, and religion, all tend to affect our convictions of the reality of the external world. But I own there is something ungrateful in expanding too curiously the particulars of the general proposition, that all culture tends to imbue us with idealism. I have no hostility to nature, but a child's love to it. I expand and live in the warm day like corn and melons. Let us speak her fair. I do not wish to fling stones at my beautiful mother, nor soil my gentle nest. I only wish to indicate the true position of nature in regard to man, wherein to establish man, all right education tends; as the ground which to attain is the object of human life, that is, of man's connection with nature. Culture inverts the vulgar views of nature, and brings the mind to call that apparent, which it uses to call real, and that real, which it uses to call visionary. Children, it is true, believe in the external world. The belief that it appears only, is an afterthought, but with culture, this faith will as surely arise on the mind as did the first.

The advantage of the ideal theory over the popular faith, is this, that it presents the world in precisely that view which is most desirable to the mind. It is, in fact, the view which Reason, both speculative and practical, that is, philosophy and virtue, take. For, seen in the light of thought, the world always is phenomenal; and virtue subordinates it to the mind. Idealism sees the world in God. It beholds the whole circle of persons and things, of actions and events, of country and religion, not as painfully accumulated, atom after atom, act after act, in an aged creeping Past, but as one vast picture, which God paints on the instant eternity, for the contemplation of the soul. Therefore the soul holds itself off from a too trivial and microscopic study of the universal tablet. It respects the end too much, to immerse itself in the means. It sees something more important in Christianity, than the scandals of ecclesiastical history, or the niceties of criticism; and, very incurious concerning persons or miracles, and not at all disturbed by chasms of historical evidence, it accepts from God the phenomenon, as it finds it, as the pure and awful form of religion in the world. It is not hot and passionate at the appearance of what it calls its own good or bad fortune, at the union or opposition of other persons. No man is its enemy. It accepts whatsoever befalls, as part of its lesson. It is a watcher more than a doer, and it is a doer, only that it may the better watch. Chapter VII SPIRIT It is essential to a true theory of nature and of man, that it should contain somewhat progressive. Uses that are exhausted or that may be, and facts that end in the statement, cannot be all that is true of this brave lodging wherein man is harbored, and wherein all his faculties find appropriate and endless exercise. And all the uses of nature admit of being summed in one, which yields the activity of man an infinite scope. Through all its kingdoms, to the suburbs and outskirts of things, it is faithful to the cause whence it had its origin. It always speaks of Spirit. It suggests the absolute. It is a perpetual effect. It is a great shadow pointing always to the sun behind us.

The aspect of nature is devout. Like the figure of Jesus, she stands with bended head, and hands folded upon the breast. The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship.

Of that ineffable essence which we call Spirit, he that thinks most, will say least. We can foresee God in the coarse, and, as it were, distant phenomena of matter; but when we try to define and describe himself, both language and thought desert us, and we are as helpless as fools and savages. That essence refuses to be recorded in propositions, but when man has worshipped him intellectually, the noblest ministry of nature is to stand as the apparition of God. It is the organ through which the universal spirit speaks to the individual, and strives to lead back the individual to it.

When we consider Spirit, we see that the views already presented do not include the whole circumference of man. We must add some related thoughts.

Three problems are put by nature to the mind; What is matter? Whence is it? and Whereto? The first of these questions only, the ideal theory answers. Idealism saith: matter is a phenomenon, not a substance. Idealism acquaints us with the total disparity between the evidence of our own being, and the evidence of the world's being. The one is perfect; the other, incapable of any assurance; the mind is a part of the nature of things; the world is a divine dream, from which we may presently awake to the glories and certainties of day. Idealism is a hypothesis to account for nature by other principles than those of carpentry and chemistry. Yet, if it only deny the existence of matter, it does not satisfy the demands of the spirit. It leaves God out of me. It leaves me in the splendid labyrinth of my perceptions, to wander without end. Then the heart resists it, because it balks the affections in denying substantive being to men and women. Nature is so pervaded with human life, that there is something of humanity in all, and in every particular. But this theory makes nature foreign to me, and does not account for that consanguinity which we acknowledge to it.

Let it stand, then, in the present state of our knowledge, merely as a useful introductory hypothesis, serving to apprize us of the eternal distinction between the soul and the world.

But when, following the invisible steps of thought, we come to inquire, Whence is matter? and Whereto? many truths arise to us out of the recesses of consciousness. We learn that the highest is present to the soul of man, that the dread universal essence, which is not wisdom, or love, or beauty, or power, but all in one, and each entirely, is that for which all things exist, and that by which they are; that spirit creates; that behind nature, throughout nature, spirit is present; one and not compound, it does not act upon us from without, that is, in space and time, but spiritually, or through ourselves: therefore, that spirit, that is, the Supreme Being, does not build up nature around us, but puts it forth through us, as the life of the tree puts forth new branches and leaves through the pores of the old. As a plant upon the earth, so a man rests upon the bosom of God; he is nourished by unfailing fountains, and draws, at his need, inexhaustible power. Who can set bounds to the possibilities of man? Once inhale the upper air, being admitted to behold the absolute natures of justice and truth, and we learn that man has access to the entire mind of the Creator, is himself the creator in the finite. This view, which admonishes me where the sources of wisdom and power lie, and points to virtue as to carries upon its face the highest certificate of truth, because it animates me to create my own world through the purification of my soul.

The world proceeds from the same spirit as the body of man. It is a remoter and inferior incarnation of God, a projection of God in the unconscious. But it differs from the body in one important respect. It is not, like that, now subjected to the human will. Its serene order is inviolable by us. It is, therefore, to us, the present expositor of the divine mind. It is a fixed point whereby we may measure our departure. As we degenerate, the contrast between us and our house is more evident. We are as much strangers in nature, as we are aliens from God. We do not understand the notes of birds. The fox and the deer run away from us; the bear and tiger rend us. We do not know the uses of more than a few plants, as corn and the apple, the potato and the vine. Is not the landscape, every glimpse of which hath a grandeur, a face of him? Yet this may show us what discord is between man and nature, for you cannot freely admire a noble landscape, if laborers are digging in the field hard by. The poet finds something ridiculous in his delight, until he is out of the sight of men. Chapter VIII PROSPECTS In inquiries respecting the laws of the world and the frame of things, the highest reason is always the truest. That which seems faintly possible -- it is so refined, is often faint and dim because it is deepest seated in the mind among the eternal verities. Empirical science is apt to cloud the sight, and, by the very knowledge of functions and processes, to bereave the student of the manly contemplation of the whole. The savant becomes unpoetic. But the best read naturalist who lends an entire and devout attention to truth, will see that there remains much to learn of his relation to the world, and that it is not to be learned by any addition or subtraction or other comparison of known quantities, but is arrived at by untaught sallies of the spirit, by a continual self-recovery, and by entire humility. He will perceive that there are far more excellent qualities in the student than preciseness and infallibility; that a guess is often more fruitful than an indisputable affirmation, and that a dream may let us deeper into the secret of nature than a hundred concerted experiments.

For, the problems to be solved are precisely those which the physiologist and the naturalist omit to state. It is not so pertinent to man to know all the individuals of the animal kingdom, as it is to know whence and whereto is this tyrannizing unity in his constitution, which evermore separates and classifies things, endeavoring to reduce the most diverse to one form. When I behold a rich landscape, it is less to my purpose to recite correctly the order and superposition of the strata, than to know why all thought of multitude is lost in a tranquil sense of unity. I cannot greatly honor minuteness in details, so long as there is no hint to explain the relation between things and thoughts; no ray upon the metaphysics of conchology, of botany, of the arts, to show the relation of the forms of flowers, shells, animals, architecture, to the mind, and build science upon ideas. In a cabinet of natural history, we become sensible of a certain occult recognition and sympathy in regard to the most unwieldly and eccentric forms of beast, fish, and insect. The American who has been confined, in his own country, to the sight of buildings designed after foreign models, is surprised on entering York Minster or St. Peter's at Rome, by the feeling that these structures are imitations also, -- faint copies of an invisible archetype. Nor has science sufficient humanity, so long as the naturalist overlooks that wonderful congruity which subsists between man and the world; of which he is lord, not because he is the most subtile inhabitant, but because he is its head and heart, and finds something of himself in every great and small thing, in every mountain stratum, in every new law of color, fact of astronomy, or atmospheric influence which observation or analysis lay open. A perception of this mystery inspires the muse of George Herbert, the beautiful psalmist of the seventeenth century. The following lines are part of his little poem on Man.
"Nothing hath got so far
But man hath caught and kept it as his prey;
His eyes dismount the highest star;
He is in little all the sphere.
Herbs gladly cure our flesh, because that they
Find their acquaintance there.

"For us, the winds do blow,
The earth doth rest, heaven move, and fountains flow;
Nothing we see, but means our good,
As our delight, or as our treasure;
The whole is either our cupboard of food,
Or cabinet of pleasure.

"The stars have us to bed:
Night draws the curtain; which the sun withdraws.
Music and light attend our head.
All things unto our flesh are kind,
In their descent and being; to our mind,
In their ascent and cause.

"More servants wait on man
Than he'll take notice of. In every path,
He treads down that which doth befriend him
When sickness makes him pale and wan.
Oh mighty love! Man is one world, and hath
Another to attend him."

The perception of this class of truths makes the attraction which draws men to science, but the end is lost sight of in attention to the means. In view of this half-sight of science, we accept the sentence of Plato, that, "poetry comes nearer to vital truth than history." Every surmise and vaticination of the mind is entitled to a certain respect, and we learn to prefer imperfect theories, and sentences, which contain glimpses of truth, to digested systems which have no one valuable suggestion. A wise writer will feel that the ends of study and composition are best answered by announcing undiscovered regions of thought, and so communicating, through hope, new activity to the torpid spirit.

I shall therefore conclude this essay with some traditions of man and nature, which a certain poet sang to me; and which, as they have always been in the world, and perhaps reappear to every bard, may be both history and prophecy.

`The foundations of man are not in matter, but in spirit. But the element of spirit is eternity. To it, therefore, the longest series of events, the oldest chronologies are young and recent. In the cycle of the universal man, from whom the known individuals proceed, centuries are points, and all history is but the epoch of one degradation.

`We distrust and deny inwardly our sympathy with nature. We own and disown our relation to it, by turns. We are, like Nebuchadnezzar, dethroned, bereft of reason, and eating grass like an ox. But who can set limits to the remedial force of spirit?

`A man is a god in ruins. When men are innocent, life shall be longer, and shall pass into the immortal, as gently as we awake from dreams. Now, the world would be insane and rabid, if these disorganizations should last for hundreds of years. It is kept in check by death and infancy. Infancy is the perpetual Messiah, which comes into the arms of fallen men, and pleads with them to return to paradise.

`Man is the dwarf of himself. Once he was permeated and dissolved by spirit. He filled nature with his overflowing currents. Out from him sprang the sun and moon; from man, the sun; from woman, the moon. The laws of his mind, the periods of his actions externized themselves into day and night, into the year and the seasons. But, having made for himself this huge shell, his waters retired; he no longer fills the veins and veinlets; he is shrunk to a drop. He sees, that the structure still fits him, but fits him colossally. Say, rather, once it fitted him, now it corresponds to him from far and on high. He adores timidly his own work. Now is man the follower of the sun, and woman the follower of the moon. Yet sometimes he starts in his slumber, and wonders at himself and his house, and muses strangely at the resemblance betwixt him and it. He perceives that if his law is still paramount, if still he have elemental power, if his word is sterling yet in nature, it is not conscious power, it is not inferior but superior to his will. It is Instinct.' Thus my Orphic poet sang.

At present, man applies to nature but half his force. He works on the world with his understanding alone. He lives in it, and masters it by a penny-wisdom; and he that works most in it, is but a half-man, and whilst his arms are strong and his digestion good, his mind is imbruted, and he is a selfish savage. His relation to nature, his power over it, is through the understanding; as by manure; the economic use of fire, wind, water, and the mariner's needle; steam, coal, chemical agriculture; the repairs of the human body by the dentist and the surgeon. This is such a resumption of power, as if a banished king should buy his territories inch by inch, instead of vaulting at once into his throne. Meantime, in the thick darkness, there are not wanting gleams of a better light, -- occasional examples of the action of man upon nature with his entire force, -- with reason as well as understanding. Such examples are; the traditions of miracles in the earliest antiquity of all nations; the history of Jesus Christ; the achievements of a principle, as in religious and political revolutions, and in the abolition of the Slave-trade; the miracles of enthusiasm, as those reported of Swedenborg, Hohenlohe, and the Shakers; many obscure and yet contested facts, now arranged under the name of Animal Magnetism; prayer; eloquence; self-healing; and the wisdom of children. These are examples of Reason's momentary grasp of the sceptre; the exertions of a power which exists not in time or space, but an instantaneous in-streaming causing power. The difference between the actual and the ideal force of man is happily figured by the schoolmen, in saying, that the knowledge of man is an evening knowledge, vespertina cognitio, but that of God is a morning knowledge, matutina cognitio.

The problem of restoring to the world original and eternal beauty, is solved by the redemption of the soul. The ruin or the blank, that we see when we look at nature, is in our own eye. The axis of vision is not coincident with the axis of things, and so they appear not transparent but opake. The reason why the world lacks unity, and lies broken and in heaps, is, because man is disunited with himself. He cannot be a naturalist, until he satisfies all the demands of the spirit. Love is as much its demand, as perception. Indeed, neither can be perfect without the other. In the uttermost meaning of the words, thought is devout, and devotion is thought. Deep calls unto deep. But in actual life, the marriage is not celebrated. There are innocent men who worship God after the tradition of their fathers, but their sense of duty has not yet extended to the use of all their faculties. And there are patient naturalists, but they freeze their subject under the wintry light of the understanding. Is not prayer also a study of truth, -- a sally of the soul into the unfound infinite? No man ever prayed heartily, without learning something. But when a faithful thinker, resolute to detach every object from personal relations, and see it in the light of thought, shall, at the same time, kindle science with the fire of the holiest affections, then will God go forth anew into the creation.

It will not need, when the mind is prepared for study, to search for objects. The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common. What is a day? What is a year? What is summer? What is woman? What is a child? What is sleep? To our blindness, these things seem unaffecting. We make fables to hide the baldness of the fact and conform it, as we say, to the higher law of the mind. But when the fact is seen under the light of an idea, the gaudy fable fades and shrivels. We behold the real higher law. To the wise, therefore, a fact is true poetry, and the most beautiful of fables. These wonders are brought to our own door. You also are a man. Man and woman, and their social life, poverty, labor, sleep, fear, fortune, are known to you. Learn that none of these things is superficial, but that each phenomenon has its roots in the faculties and affections of the mind. Whilst the abstract question occupies your intellect, nature brings it in the concrete to be solved by your hands. It were a wise inquiry for the closet, to compare, point by point, especially at remarkable crises in life, our daily history, with the rise and progress of ideas in the mind.

So shall we come to look at the world with new eyes. It shall answer the endless inquiry of the intellect, -- What is truth? and of the affections, -- What is good? by yielding itself passive to the educated Will. Then shall come to pass what my poet said; `Nature is not fixed but fluid. Spirit alters, moulds, makes it. The immobility or bruteness of nature, is the absence of spirit; to pure spirit, it is fluid, it is volatile, it is obedient. Every spirit builds itself a house; and beyond its house a world; and beyond its world, a heaven. Know then, that the world exists for you. For you is the phenomenon perfect. What we are, that only can we see. All that Adam had, all that Caesar could, you have and can do. Adam called his house, heaven and earth; Caesar called his house, Rome; you perhaps call yours, a cobler's trade; a hundred acres of ploughed land; or a scholar's garret. Yet line for line and point for point, your dominion is as great as theirs, though without fine names. Build, therefore, your own world. As fast as you conform your life to the pure idea in your mind, that will unfold its great proportions. A correspondent revolution in things will attend the influx of the spirit. So fast will disagreeable appearances, swine, spiders, snakes, pests, madhouses, prisons, enemies, vanish; they are temporary and shall be no more seen. The sordor and filths of nature, the sun shall dry up, and the wind exhale. As when the summer comes from the south; the snow-banks melt, and the face of the earth becomes green before it, so shall the advancing spirit create its ornaments along its path, and carry with it the beauty it visits, and the song which enchants it; it shall draw beautiful faces, warm hearts, wise discourse, and heroic acts, around its way, until evil is no more seen. The kingdom of man over nature, which cometh not with observation, -- a dominion such as now is beyond his dream of God, -- he shall enter without more wonder than the blind man feels who is gradually restored to perfect sight.'

           
           
       

Interesting Literature

A Summary and Analysis of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s ‘Nature’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Nature’ is an 1836 essay by the American writer and thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82). In this essay, Emerson explores the relationship between nature and humankind, arguing that if we approach nature with a poet’s eye, and a pure spirit, we will find the wonders of nature revealed to us.

You can read ‘Nature’ in full here . Below, we summarise Emerson’s argument and offer an analysis of its meaning and context.

Emerson begins his essay by defining nature, in philosophical terms, as anything that is not our individual souls. So our bodies, as well as all of the natural world, but also all of the world of art and technology, too, are ‘nature’ in this philosophical sense of the world. He urges his readers not to rely on tradition or history to help them to understand the world: instead, they should look to nature and the world around them.

In the first chapter, Emerson argues that nature is never ‘used up’ when the right mind examines it: it is a source of boundless curiosity. No man can own the landscape: it belongs, if it belongs to anyone at all, to ‘the poet’. Emerson argues that when a man returns to nature he can rediscover his lost youth, that wide-eyed innocence he had when he went among nature as a boy.

Emerson states that when he goes among nature, he becomes a ‘transparent eyeball’ because he sees nature but is himself nothing: he has been absorbed or subsumed into nature and, because God made nature, God himself. He feels a deep kinship and communion with all of nature. He acknowledges that our view of nature depends on our own mood, and that the natural world reflects the mood we are feeling at the time.

In the second chapter, Emerson focuses on ‘commodity’: the name he gives to all of the advantages which our senses owe to nature. Emerson draws a parallel with the ‘useful arts’ which have built houses and steamships and whole towns: these are the man-made equivalents of the natural world, in that both nature and the ‘arts’ are designed to provide benefit and use to mankind.

The third chapter then turns to ‘beauty’, and the beauty of nature comprises several aspects, which Emerson outlines. First, the beauty of nature is a restorative : seeing the sky when we emerge from a day’s work can restore us to ourselves and make us happy again. The human eye is the best ‘artist’ because it perceives and appreciates this beauty so keenly. Even the countryside in winter possesses its own beauty.

The second aspect of beauty Emerson considers is the spiritual element. Great actions in history are often accompanied by a beautiful backdrop provided by nature. The third aspect in which nature should be viewed is its value to the human intellect . Nature can help to inspire people to create and invent new things. Everything in nature is a representation of a universal harmony and perfection, something greater than itself.

In his fourth chapter, Emerson considers the relationship between nature and language. Our language is often a reflection of some natural state: for instance, the word right literally means ‘straight’, while wrong originally denoted something ‘twisted’. But we also turn to nature when we wish to use language to reflect a ‘spiritual fact’: for example, that a lamb symbolises innocence, or a fox represents cunning. Language represents nature, therefore, and nature in turn represents some spiritual truth.

Emerson argues that ‘the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind.’ Many great principles of the physical world are also ethical or moral axioms: for example, ‘the whole is greater than its part’.

In the fifth chapter, Emerson turns his attention to nature as a discipline . Its order can teach us spiritual and moral truths, but it also puts itself at the service of mankind, who can distinguish and separate (for instance, using water for drinking but wool for weaving, and so on). There is a unity in nature which means that every part of it corresponds to all of the other parts, much as an individual art – such as architecture – is related to the others, such as music or religion.

The sixth chapter is devoted to idealism . How can we sure nature does actually exist, and is not a mere product within ‘the apocalypse of the mind’, as Emerson puts it? He believes it doesn’t make any practical difference either way (but for his part, Emerson states that he believes God ‘never jests with us’, so nature almost certainly does have an external existence and reality).

Indeed, we can determine that we are separate from nature by changing out perspective in relation to it: for example, by bending down and looking between our legs, observing the landscape upside down rather than the way we usually view it. Emerson quotes from Shakespeare to illustrate how poets can draw upon nature to create symbols which reflect the emotions of the human soul. Religion and ethics, by contrast, degrade nature by viewing it as lesser than divine or moral truth.

Next, in the seventh chapter, Emerson considers nature and the spirit . Spirit, specifically the spirit of God, is present throughout nature. In his eighth and final chapter, ‘Prospects’, Emerson argues that we need to contemplate nature as a whole entity, arguing that ‘a dream may let us deeper into the secret of nature than a hundred concerted experiments’ which focus on more local details within nature.

Emerson concludes by arguing that in order to detect the unity and perfection within nature, we must first perfect our souls. ‘He cannot be a naturalist until he satisfies all the demands of the spirit’, Emerson urges. Wisdom means finding the miraculous within the common or everyday. He then urges the reader to build their own world, using their spirit as the foundation. Then the beauty of nature will reveal itself to us.

In a number of respects, Ralph Waldo Emerson puts forward a radically new attitude towards our relationship with nature. For example, although we may consider language to be man-made and artificial, Emerson demonstrates that the words and phrases we use to describe the world are drawn from our observation of nature. Nature and the human spirit are closely related, for Emerson, because they are both part of ‘the same spirit’: namely, God. Although we are separate from nature – or rather, our souls are separate from nature, as his prefatory remarks make clear – we can rediscover the common kinship between us and the world.

Emerson wrote ‘Nature’ in 1836, not long after Romanticism became an important literary, artistic, and philosophical movement in Europe and the United States. Like Wordsworth and the Romantics before him, Emerson argues that children have a better understanding of nature than adults, and when a man returns to nature he can rediscover his lost youth, that wide-eyed innocence he had when he went among nature as a boy.

And like Wordsworth, Emerson argued that to understand the world, we should go out there and engage with it ourselves, rather than relying on books and tradition to tell us what to think about it. In this connection, one could undertake a comparative analysis of Emerson’s ‘Nature’ and Wordsworth’s pair of poems ‘ Expostulation and Reply ’ and ‘ The Tables Turned ’, the former of which begins with a schoolteacher rebuking Wordsworth for sitting among nature rather than having his nose buried in a book:

‘Why, William, on that old gray stone, ‘Thus for the length of half a day, ‘Why, William, sit you thus alone, ‘And dream your time away?

‘Where are your books?—that light bequeathed ‘To beings else forlorn and blind! ‘Up! up! and drink the spirit breathed ‘From dead men to their kind.

Similarly, for Emerson, the poet and the dreamer can get closer to the true meaning of nature than scientists because they can grasp its unity by viewing it holistically, rather than focusing on analysing its rock formations or other more local details. All of this is in keeping with the philosophy of Transcendentalism , that nineteenth-century movement which argued for a kind of spiritual thinking instead of scientific thinking based narrowly on material things.

Emerson, along with Henry David Thoreau, was the most famous writer to belong to the Transcendentalist movement, and ‘Nature’ is fundamentally a Transcendentalist essay, arguing for an intuitive and ‘poetic’ engagement with nature in the round rather than a coldly scientific or empirical analysis of its component parts.

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  • Discipline Essay

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Essay on Discipline

The first and the most important lesson in life is getting disciplined. It is not tough if the lesson of discipline starts from the very childhood, but if it starts late it can be the toughest lesson to learn in life. To get perfect self-control one requires hard discipline and dedication. Good discipline can bring the best of ourselves and we can best serve society and will be up to the expectation of the people around us. To achieve success in life one needs to be disciplined right from the beginning. Only through discipline, we can stay focused on our goal in life. Discipline involves understanding the value of time, showing respect to humanity, and showing gratitude to nature. The first step towards success is discipline.

Being disciplined is one of the important and toughest lessons to learn in life. It requires the utmost dedication and hard work to practise self-control and conduct ourselves in a way that best serves the society and lives around us. Only when a person is disciplined, he or she is able to achieve success in life. Discipline plays a key role in keeping us focused. 

There are different ways of practising discipline but the most important thing is to be consistent and value time. By practising a task consistently, by respecting humanity and nature and by valuing time, one can learn to walk in the right direction in life. This is the fundamental reason why successful people around the world preach the need for discipline.

Necessity of Discipline

When a person leads his life without any rule or discipline, his life tends to become dull and directionless. His lack of understanding of the need for discipline makes him lazy. This eventually makes him pessimistic. People such as this are unable to handle crises and often tend to create an irreparable amount of mess in their life. However, if you are not among these groups of people and want to achieve something in your life, you must focus on being disciplined. If you do not have a plan or strategy then first make a plan that suits your lifestyle and accordingly, set your routine. 

Then next is implementing the plan in your day-to-day life. It is said that when an activity is done for 3 weeks straight then it automatically becomes a habit. Therefore, always try to incorporate positive changes into your routine and based on your plan, continue doing that for 21 days. It is expected that after 21 days the implemented activity will become a part of your life. A lot of people in the world are often bogged down by failures and do not tend to make any changes in their life towards positivity. 

Being a disciplined person does not only help you to achieve your dreams but also makes you feel positive in and out. Studies show that disciplined people are more likely to find ways in which they can be happier and change their course of life than the undisciplined ones. Moreover, being disciplined makes a person calm and composed. This quality helps a person to overcome hurdles and to achieve success. They also create a significant impact on others' lives.

Forms of Discipline

It is important to mention that there are two forms of discipline- the first being the induced discipline and second, the self-discipline. The former is the kind of discipline that others teach us or we adapt by seeing others. While on the other hand, the later form of discipline is the one that comes from within. It is the tougher form of discipline as it requires patience, focus, and motivation from others. 

The level of discipline a person achieves may vary depending on his willpower and living condition. Children and parents will have different views on discipline but they must incorporate it into their lives to have a positive influence on each other. Last but not the least, it is the discipline that helps an individual to evolve and become a better version of themselves. 

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FAQs on Discipline Essay

1. What is the necessity of Discipline in our lives?

Discipline makes a life successful and worth living. Without discipline the person becomes aimless and soon finds his life boring and directionless. A person without discipline cannot understand the value of punctuality and hence loses many opportunities in life and gradually gets pessimistic. They ultimately end up with a messy, useless life. Being punctual and consistent towards a perfect aim in life makes life livable. Discipline alone can bring you respect and love from each and everyone in society. It can bring you not only success but also peace in life. Discipline can make a person happy and content. It brings inner peace and calmness and this can help to overcome any hurdles in life.

2. How to learn discipline?

To learn discipline first try to follow the right approach every day for at least 21 days and soon that will become your habit. You don’t have to stress yourself over strict rules of discipline. Never stop inculcating positive habits in you. The sooner the best. Never let negative things rule you and try to stand up with perfect approach and discipline even after a great failure. To learn discipline one needs patience, dedication and motivation from others. Strong willpower can only make a person disciplined. You can learn more about discipline and importance by downloading PDF format from Vedantu website.

3. How can a disciplined person get happier than the undisciplined ones?

Only with discipline can a person evolve and make a better version of their lives. A disciplined person earns respect from society and love from all the people around. The disciplined person is calm and sober and so, draws the attention of everyone in the society and makes his path to success smoother than the undisciplined persons. Disciplined people have a perfect goal in their lives and they can cross the hurdles on the path of achieving the goals in a composed way thereby ultimately making their life worthy and happier. They never lose anything in life because of being punctual.

4. How to teach discipline to a child?

Discipline is a very delicate lesson that the parents and teachers can give or pass to a child. One should never be too strict to implicate discipline on a child. Rather they should be taught discipline gradually making them able to understand its importance in life. Children need to be rewarded every time they maintain discipline and follow the right approach to life. Parents and teachers should themselves follow discipline in front of children then only the children can follow it properly. Discipline should never be imposed on them but the advantages of discipline are what they should be able to understand right from early childhood.

5. What are the main disciplines to be followed?

The main disciplines to be followed in life are to discipline your:

Thoughts: You have to have control over your mind. If you are able to master your mind you have won half of your life's battle.

Goals: A proper goal in life and the right approach to achieve this can make your path of life smoother.

Environment: Try to love the environment and never fail to show gratitude towards nature. 

Relationship: Maintain discipline in every relationship. Show respect to every relation irrespective of age and gender.

Friendship: Maintain discipline while doing friendship and never cross your limits in it.

Consumption: Consume that much you need. A disciplined eating habit can train your mind and body for a better and healthier life.

Desires: Put a limit on your desires. Maintain discipline in what you want and what you can

Addictions: Learn how to stay away from any form of addiction or otherwise all your other disciplines will get ruined in front of this addiction.

Progress: A consistent progress towards positivity is a much needed good discipline

Time: The most important discipline is punctuality. Time is the most valuable thing and never underestimate this in life or else you will end up losing many opportunities in life.

Inner Happiness: Find your inner happiness yourself with a positive approach and the right discipline.

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Argumentative Essay: The Importance of Discipline

Discipline is something that we have all experienced personally in different forms, seen used on others, and is also something that many of us will go on to use later in life, both in the form of self-discipline and as something to keep children and even employees in check. It is essential to life as we know it, and we need it in its many different forms in many different situations.

The first reason that discipline is so important is that we all need to exercise self-discipline to be successful in life. Self-discipline can mean very different things to different people; for students, for example, self-discipline is often about motivating yourself and making yourself concentrate on your studies and get your assignments in on time. For working people, it can be as simple as getting up on time every morning, however tired you may be and how much you may hate your job, getting to work on time and doing your job. Without this kind of self-discipline, people would not be able to enjoy academic success, or be successful in their careers either.

Self-discipline is also required for dieters and anyone doing regular exercise, because given the chance, most of us would prefer to be lazy rather than get up and exercise, and eat burgers and fries rather than healthy food. Without it, even more people would be fat and unhealthy, and a lack of self-discipline in some people certainly contributes to the obesity crisis.

Discipline is also something that needs to be used on others where necessary. If parents didn’t discipline their children when they were naughty, children wouldn’t grow up knowing right from wrong, or be able to become productive members of society who contribute to the system. Equally, schoolteachers need to be able to dish out punishments to children who don’t behave themselves. Without discipline in the classroom, there would be a great deal of disruption and nobody would ever learn anything. Indeed, teachers who struggle to command the respect of students and who fail to use discipline effectively will often have trouble even making themselves heard in a classroom.

In the workplace, discipline is also essential to maintaining a hierarchy and dealing with employees who do not follow company policies and procedures, regularly arrive late or not at all, or treat their co-workers unfairly. Then, you have to consider that without discipline, there would be no law enforcement. Murderers would be roaming the streets and everybody would be stealing from each other, because there would be no consequences for their actions.

Discipline acts as a vital deterrent to stop children being naughty, people from missing work, and even potential criminals from stealing and killing, and for this reason it is vital in human society.

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Short Essay: Discipline

Writing a short essay on “Discipline” involves exploring the concept’s multifaceted nature, its significance in various aspects of life, and the benefits it brings. Discipline is a broad topic, often viewed as the backbone of success and personal development. Here’s a structured guide to help you draft a concise and impactful essay on this subject.

Table of Contents

Title and Introduction

Title:  Choose a concise and engaging title that reflects the essence of your essay, such as “The Power of Discipline: A Key to Success.”

Understanding Discipline

Definition and Scope:  Clearly define what discipline means. It can be self-regulation, adherence to a set of rules, or the training that corrects and molds the mental faculties or moral character. Discuss its scope by mentioning different areas where discipline plays a crucial role, such as academic achievement, sports, personal finance, and professional development.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives:  Briefly touch on how the concept of discipline has been viewed in different cultures or historical periods. This can provide depth to your essay, showing that the interpretation and implementation of discipline can vary widely.

The Importance of Discipline

In Academic Settings:  Illustrate how discipline is crucial for academic success. Explain how structured study times and adherence to guidelines and deadlines are vital for excelling in educational endeavors.

Challenges and Strategies

Wrap up your essay by summarizing the key points discussed. Reinforce how discipline is integral to personal and professional success and overall well-being. Conclude with a final thought or call to action, encouraging readers to reflect on their own levels of discipline or to take steps to improve it.

Discipline Essay Example #1

There are different types of discipline, including positive discipline, negative discipline, and restorative discipline. Positive discipline involves rewarding good behavior to encourage its repetition. For instance, a teacher may reward a student who consistently completes their homework on time with a certificate or a prize. Negative discipline involves punishing bad behavior to discourage its repetition. For example, a parent may ground their child for misbehaving or not following the rules. Restorative discipline involves repairing harm caused by bad behavior and restoring relationships. For instance, a mediator may bring together two parties in a conflict to resolve their differences and restore their relationship.

Discipline Essay Example #2

Discipline is a crucial aspect of personal and societal development. It refers to a set of rules and regulations that govern behavior and promote order, responsibility, and self-control. In this essay, we will explore the definition and importance of discipline, types and methods of discipline, and the consequences of lack of discipline. By the end of this essay, we will have a better understanding of the role of discipline in promoting personal and societal growth.

The consequences of lack of discipline are significant, both for individuals and society as a whole. Lack of discipline can lead to social problems such as crime, drug abuse, and academic failure. For example, individuals who lack discipline may engage in criminal activities, which can harm others and disrupt social order. Lack of discipline can also lead to academic failure, as individuals who lack self-control may not be able to focus on their studies. To promote discipline in individuals and society as a whole, strategies such as education, counseling, and mentorship can be employed. These strategies can help individuals to develop self-control and respect for authority, which are essential in promoting personal and societal growth.

Discipline is a crucial aspect of personal and societal development. It promotes order, responsibility, and self-control, which are essential for individuals to achieve their full potential. There are various types and methods of discipline, and the effectiveness and appropriateness of each depend on the situation. Lack of discipline can lead to social problems such as crime, drug abuse, and academic failure. To promote discipline in individuals and society as a whole, strategies such as education, counseling, and mentorship can be employed. By promoting discipline, individuals and society can achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of their communities.

Discipline Essay Example #3

Definition and Importance of Discipline is the practice of training oneself or others to follow a set of rules, guidelines, or principles. It is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth as it helps individuals develop self-control, responsibility, and accountability. Discipline is essential in promoting desirable behavior and eliminating negative behavior, which can lead to success in personal and professional life. For instance, an athlete who practices discipline by following a strict training regimen and adhering to a healthy diet is more likely to achieve success in their sport. Moreover, discipline is vital in achieving personal goals. It helps individuals stay focused and committed, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. For example, a student who practices discipline by studying regularly and managing their time effectively is more likely to excel academically.

Discipline plays a critical role in various settings, including the classroom, workplace, and home. In the classroom, discipline is essential in maintaining order, promoting learning, and creating a safe and respectful environment for students. Teachers use a combination of positive and negative discipline to promote desirable behavior and eliminate negative behavior. In the workplace, discipline is crucial in promoting productivity, professionalism, and a positive work environment. Employers use a range of disciplinary measures, such as coaching, counseling, and progressive discipline, to promote desirable behavior and eliminate negative behavior. In the home, discipline is essential in shaping behavior, promoting responsibility, and creating a safe and respectful environment for children. Parents use a range of disciplinary measures, such as positive reinforcement, time-out, and consequences, to promote desirable behavior and eliminate negative behavior.

In conclusion, discipline is a critical aspect of personal and professional growth. It helps individuals develop self-control, responsibility, and accountability, and promotes desirable behavior. There are different types of discipline, including positive, negative, and restorative discipline, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Discipline plays a vital role in various settings, including the classroom, workplace, and home, and is essential in maintaining order, promoting productivity, and shaping behavior.

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Essay on Importance of Discipline

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Write an essay on importance of discipline 

Synopsis of the article:

 • What is discipline:

Discipline means obedience to a code, or a set of rules of conduct either formulated or prescribed by an external authority. 

• Discipline in nature:

Nature is the perfect example of the exhibition of discipline with its prevailing course of occurrence of natural phenomenon. • Discipline in students and education:

Discipline is very essential in students as it is seed time of their life. An educational system can not run properly without discipline. 

• Discipline in life and society:

One must acquire the quality of discipline from the very early stages of his life for the betterment of society as well as in family. There is hardly any sphere of life in which the value of disciplined is not realised. 

Essay on Importance of Discipline 

◇ introduction: important of discipline: .

Discipline means obedience to a code, or a set of rules of conduct either self-formulated or prescribed by an external authority. It is a good quality of a person. It’s absolutely necessary in a good and healthy society. Discipline is required in all areas of life; in educational institutions, family, army, administration, sports, art and culture etc.

A person leading a well-regulated life, speaking in a controlled manner, leading a very restrained life presents an excellent example of self-discipline. In this way, we may say that Nature is the best mirror of perfect discipline to all of us. One can notice a disciplinary approach prevailing in planetary movements, changing of seasons, tides, weather etc. 

◇ Discipline and Student:

There is hardly any sphere of life in which the value of discipline is not realised. Discipline is very essential in student life as it is the seed time of life. No institution can run successfully it its students are not disciplined. Discipline is necessary both for the teachers and students. Effective teaching is not possible in the class if the students and the teachers are not disciplined.

It is a very tested fact that only serious and disciplined students can achieve something worth in their life. On the other hand, indisciplined students lack focus and commitment in their educational life. 

◇ Discipline and Society:

Discipline is very much necessary in society as well as in family. Freedom in a free country does not empower or entitle one to do whatever he likes regardless of feelings and interest of others. One must get to know how to be disciplined from one’s family. Therefore, it is very necessary to go through a disciplinary circle from the early stages of life. If there is no discipline in a family, it is very difficult to run a family. A family is a small unit of the whole society. Therefore, if the families are not properly disciplined, then the society is also affected. 

Discipline is absolutely necessary for the defence force of a country including army, navy and air-force. An indisciplined army is fated to an ignoble end. Even in sports, a team without discipline can never fight well. The players should obey the rules of game in the playground and obey the instructions of the captain or referee of the game. 

◇ Discipline and Nature:

Discipline is one important way we socialize children. The goal of socialization is to teach children how to function effectively in society.

The foundation for all discipline is Nature. Facing the effects of gravity, hunger, temperature, danger, curiosity and even aggression teaches discipline. It has been said, “Nature is the mother of all discipline.” Nature provides children with experience, challenges, consequences as well as parents who are intended to be nurturing and to act as protectors, teachers and guides. Nature offers children real world experiences that parents can use to teach children important skills. Some of these skills include helping children to become aware of surroundings, paying attention as well as working together, cooperation and the relationship between cause and effect.

◇ Misinterpretation of Discipline:

But some people misunderstand the meaning of discipline. They say that discipline leads to blind submission to authority keeping away all the freedom of life. But this is a wrong interpretation of discipline. A disciplined nation is always better placed in all respects than an indisciplined nation.

True development of a country is related directly with the discipline attitude of its administration. A political party of a country also suffers to survive if it loses the discipline of party members. It is to be clearly noted that every country’s moral and economic advancement is lined with the disciplined course of life.

◇ Conclusion:

Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for everyone to become disciplined to reap the full benefits of living by employing oneself successfully for the hood of the society. Thus one can become happy truly. 

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Essay on Discipline

essay on discipline

Here we have shared the Essay on Discipline in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Discipline in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams. 

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Discipline in 150-250 words

Essay on discipline in 300-400 words, essay on discipline in 500-1000 words.

Discipline is an essential aspect of life that plays a crucial role in shaping our character, behavior, and overall success. It refers to the practice of following rules, regulations, and codes of conduct in a consistent and orderly manner.

Discipline is the foundation of personal and professional growth. It helps us develop self-control, responsibility, and the ability to make sound decisions. It instills a sense of order and structure in our lives, enabling us to manage our time, resources, and commitments effectively.

Discipline is particularly important in educational settings. It helps students stay focused, attentive, and committed to their studies. It promotes regular attendance, punctuality, and completion of assignments. Students who embrace discipline are more likely to achieve academic success and develop a strong work ethic.

Discipline is also crucial in personal relationships and professional environments. It fosters respect, accountability, and teamwork. It allows individuals to work together harmoniously, resolve conflicts, and achieve common goals. Discipline enables individuals to maintain integrity, adhere to ethical standards, and demonstrate professionalism.

In conclusion, discipline is an indispensable virtue that contributes to personal growth, academic achievement, and success in various aspects of life. By cultivating discipline, individuals can develop self-control, responsibility, and a sense of order. It is a quality that helps us navigate challenges, maintain focus, and achieve our goals. Embracing discipline paves the way for a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Discipline is a fundamental aspect of personal and societal development. It refers to the practice of adhering to rules, regulations, and codes of conduct, both in our personal lives and in the larger community. Discipline instills a sense of order, responsibility, and self-control, and it plays a crucial role in shaping our character, behavior, and overall success.

In personal life, discipline enables individuals to lead a well-organized and purposeful existence. It helps us manage our time effectively, prioritize tasks, and set and achieve goals. Discipline ensures that we follow a routine, maintain good health habits, and make conscious choices that align with our long-term objectives. It fosters self-control, enabling us to resist temptations and make wise decisions.

In educational institutions, discipline is essential for creating a conducive learning environment. It promotes regular attendance, punctuality, and completion of assignments. Students who practice discipline are more likely to stay focused, attentive, and committed to their studies. They develop effective study habits, demonstrate academic integrity, and engage in active learning, leading to higher academic achievement.

Discipline is also vital in professional settings. It fosters productivity, professionalism, and accountability. Employees who exhibit discipline adhere to work schedules, meet deadlines, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. They follow ethical guidelines, respect company policies, and contribute to a harmonious and productive work environment. Disciplined professionals are more likely to achieve career success and earn the respect and trust of their colleagues and superiors.

Moreover, discipline is crucial for the smooth functioning of society. It ensures that individuals respect the laws, regulations, and norms that govern social behavior. Discipline encourages citizens to be responsible, law-abiding members of society, promoting social harmony and stability. It fosters a sense of civic duty, encouraging individuals to actively participate in community activities, volunteerism, and initiatives that benefit society as a whole.

In conclusion, discipline is a vital virtue that contributes to personal growth, academic success, professional excellence, and a well-functioning society. By practicing discipline, individuals develop self-control, responsibility, and a sense of order. It enables us to lead purposeful lives, make wise choices, and achieve our goals. Discipline is an essential aspect of personal development and plays a significant role in shaping the progress and well-being of our communities and society as a whole.

Title: Discipline – The Path to Success and Personal Growth

Introduction :

Discipline is a virtue that encompasses self-control, adherence to rules, and the ability to maintain order and focus in various aspects of life. It is a fundamental characteristic that plays a significant role in personal development, academic achievement, and professional success. Discipline enables individuals to cultivate self-discipline, responsibility, and a sense of purpose, leading to enhanced productivity and personal growth. In this essay, we will explore the importance of discipline, its impact on different areas of life, and strategies for developing and maintaining discipline.

The Importance of Discipline

Discipline is vital for personal growth and success. It serves as the foundation for achieving goals, managing time effectively, and making wise choices. By practicing discipline, individuals develop self-control, which enables them to resist distractions, temptations, and impulsive behavior. Discipline helps individuals prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and work towards them systematically. It fosters a sense of responsibility, ensuring that commitments are fulfilled and tasks are completed on time. Without discipline, it becomes challenging to stay focused, maintain motivation, and accomplish objectives.

Discipline also plays a crucial role in academic achievement. Students who practice discipline are more likely to attend classes regularly, submit assignments on time, and engage actively in their studies. They develop effective study habits, manage their time efficiently, and utilize resources effectively. Disciplined students show commitment to their education, leading to improved academic performance, enhanced learning outcomes, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

In the professional realm, discipline is a key attribute for success. It allows individuals to maintain professional standards, adhere to work schedules, and meet deadlines. Disciplined professionals demonstrate a strong work ethic, take ownership of their responsibilities, and work efficiently. They show dedication, consistency, and professionalism, which enhances their reputation, increases opportunities for growth and advancement, and earns the respect of their peers and superiors.

Strategies for Developing Discipline

Developing discipline requires conscious effort and practice. Here are some strategies to cultivate discipline in various areas of life:

Set Clear Goals: Define clear and specific goals for yourself. Establishing goals provides direction and motivation, making it easier to stay focused and disciplined.

Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes specific time slots for various activities, such as work, study, exercise, and leisure. Following a routine helps in managing time effectively and ensuring tasks are completed without procrastination.

Prioritize Tasks: Identify and prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. This helps in avoiding distractions and ensures that important tasks are given appropriate attention and completed on time.

Practice Self-Control: Develop self-control by consciously making choices that align with your goals and values. Practice resisting immediate gratification and impulse behaviors that may hinder progress.

Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks: Large tasks can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Break them down into smaller, manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time. Celebrate small accomplishments along the way to stay motivated.

Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with people who encourage discipline and share similar values. Seek accountability partners or join study or work groups to stay motivated and inspired.

Eliminate Distractions: Minimize distractions that can hinder discipline and focus. Turn off notifications on your devices, create a designated study or work area, and establish boundaries to protect your time and concentration.

Practice Time Management: Develop effective time management skills by setting realistic deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and allocating specific time slots for different activities. Use productivity tools, such as calendars and to-do lists, to stay organized and on track.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being improves focus, energy levels, and overall discipline.

Stay Motivated: Find ways to stay motivated and inspired. Set rewards for accomplishing tasks or milestones, seek inspiration from role models and remind yourself of the long-term benefits of discipline.

Conclusion :

Discipline is a vital attribute that contributes to personal growth, academic success, and professional achievements. It enables individuals to develop self-control, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. By practicing discipline, individuals can effectively manage their time, make wise choices, and achieve their goals. Cultivating discipline requires conscious effort, perseverance, and the implementation of various strategies. However, the rewards of discipline are immense, leading to enhanced productivity, personal growth, and a path to success. Embracing discipline as a way of life can bring about positive changes and open doors to new opportunities.

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Essay on Discipline

List of essays on discipline.

  • Essay on Discipline – For Kids (Essay 1 – 150 Words)
  • Essay on Discipline – For Children (Essay 2 – 250 Words)
  • Essay on Discipline – In School (Essay 3 – 250 Words)
  • Essay on Discipline – In Student Life (Essay 4 – 250 Words)

Essay on Discipline – For Kids (Essay 5 – 250 Words)

  • Essay on Discipline – Written in English (Essay 6 – 500 Words)
  • Essay on Discipline – For School Students (Essay 7 – 600 Words)
  • Essay on Discipline (Essay 8 – 750 Words)
  • Essay on Discipline – Types, Principles and Challenges (Essay 9 – 1000 Words)

We all have come across the word discipline some time or the other in our life. This word is more apparently heard during our school life.

Our teachers constantly try to drive us towards discipline, whether it is coming to school on time, wearing a proper uniform, doing our classwork and homework in a neat and tidy manner, behaving appropriately in school or a host of other things.

Audience: The below given essays are exclusively written for kids, children and school students.     

Essay on Discipline – For Kids (Essay 1 – 150 Words )

Discipline is one of the powerful words in our life. Discipline means doing work orderly according to the rules & regulation, being punctual and regular. Discipline word contains so much value in our life and its importance can be seen anywhere and everywhere. But can you imagine, if we forget about discipline? Will this world be able to move forward without discipline? The answer is an absolute ‘No’.

Everything in our life, starting from being on-time to school, completing our daily tasks, to sticking to our values, all are based on discipline. It is a basic need of our life to maintain and move towards success. In today’s life, discipline is more important in our normal life rather than soldier’s because an undisciplined action can destroy our whole life. It is like the limits according to which we lead our life and this makes us disciplined and capable of living in the society. Discipline is the only mantra of human beings to be successful in life.

Essay on Discipline – For Children (Essay 2 – 250 Words )

What is discipline? It is not just an act of obedience to rule, but it is a controlled attitude of various parameters, by not disturbing the social fabric of the society and also not spoiling the personal relationship of one another. When we say, discipline is a part of obedience to the civil rule and regulation, it is true to an extent and we consider it as a good conduct part of compliance. But contrary to our thoughts we can find that the same logic what was accepted as discipline can never be the yardstick of obedience in some other part of the world. When we keep discipline in the right frame, our actions will not hurt others.

Discipline doesn’t mean that you succumb to the unethical demand of your peers or superiors. You can become a successful person if you can lead a disciplined life. It is a balancing act of good and evil. For example, when you have enough money, instead of spending it impulsively, you can use it systematically in a much-disciplined manner. So, when we consider systematically spending money, with a planned calculation, we can say it is part of your personal discipline.

Similarly, in every walks of our life, you can apply the theory of discipline. Being disciplined does not mean that you are scarifying your liberty. You can keep your individuality, and in the meantime you can be a disciplined person in your life. A person with a disciplined attitude can live in a community harmoniously by keeping individual liberty.

When we take a closer look at the universe, we can find that the entire system co-exists by supporting each other. It is the way of nature’s disciplined life, and you can see the same discipline animals and plants.

The spirit of discipline we can find in every walks of our life. Since human beings are social animals, we are bound to live within the rules and regulations of society. We accept the rules and regulations, as we respect the importance of discipline. If there is no rule and regulation, then there will be chaos everywhere. When there is anarchy everywhere, there will be no peace of mind. Without discipline, there will be no success in life.

Essay on Discipline – In School (Essay 3 – 250 Words )

Discipline in school means going to school on time, following all the rules and regulations of the school, completing all the given tasks within the deadlines, etc. Many people do not like to be told what to do and they most definitely do not like to be told what to read. This fact is one of the reasons the school systems have such trouble educating some students. The thing is life is not here to give us all the things we want and if we do not have enough luck to be born extremely rich or extremely gifted our best solution is to have discipline at school. But this can be a problem, mostly because the things they teach us in school tend to be suited for one type of student and it happens to be the rarest one.

Discipline at school is not something that you have to do the conventional way, the thing is you can trick the system if you know how to approach the problem. You know what tasks you have and you can calculate how much time it can take you to do it then you just split that time into manageable segments. After you do the calculations you can spread the segments through the day so you do not even notice them and you will find that you can do much more then if you sat every day for a couple of hours in a row. The solution is simple as that and when you implement it in your daily life you will have discipline in school in no time just be patient and stick with the plan even if it has a lot of room for spontaneity.

Essay on Discipline – In Student Life ( Essay 4 – 250 Words )

Discipline in student life is the art of obeying certain set of rules that help us to live a life of order. It is the conduct that respects laws of the community one lives in. Without discipline there is only chaos and unruliness. Discipline is observed in everything around us. Nature exhibits great discipline in its workings. All the planets rotate around the sun in their orbits without going off course. The sun has been rising in the east and setting in the west for millions of years and so is the case with every process of nature.

Discipline at School:

Schools provide the building blocks for a child’s life and it is extremely important to observe discipline in student life there. Inside classrooms, for education to be possible, it is essential for every student to be silent and focused on the subject being taught. In playgrounds, every sport comes with a set of rules which need to be followed for ensuring smooth and successful play. These rules mold students in working towards achieving their dreams.

Discipline at Home:

Discipline in student life at home also plays an important role. Right from the start of the day when we have to get ourselves ready to begin the day, to the end of the day when timely dinner and early to bed is required, discipline is needed. It helps in the smooth functioning of our everyday life.

Conclusion:

Discipline in student life plays a pivotal role in determining the success of a person. It is necessary that every child is taught discipline at school and at home so that they grow up into responsible members of the community.

Since our childhood, we grow up listening to the importance of discipline. As kids, we learn the importance of discipline at home, by waking up early in the morning, washing our face, brushing the teeth, and taking a bath every day.

When we start going to school, teachers show us the importance of discipline by inculcating in us, the habits of punctuality, daily assembly, homework, and hygiene maintenance, etc. Discipline comes with practice. That is why it is essential for the students and adults to understand the importance of discipline and exercise it in their daily lives.

We can all learn about valuing the importance of discipline from our mother nature. Look around and you’ll see how the sun rises and sets every day on time. Flowers bloom in their seasons. Birds chirp and leave for their search of food at dawn. This is nature’s way of showing the universal importance of discipline to us.

Indiscipline is the root cause of any failure. An absence of punctuality, lack of routine and seriousness toward a goal, are all the different forms of indiscipline. Rejecting the idea of the importance of discipline pushes us back and counts as one of the major reasons for our downfall.

People like Newton, Einstein, Martin Luther King, always respected and valued the importance of discipline and followed a strict routine every day. If you wish to be successful, never underestimate the importance of discipline and hard work, as these virtues will keep you ahead of others.

Essay on Discipline – Written in English (Essay 6 – 500 Words )

The word discipline is very often thrown around and used but not quite really understood. The word discipline has a lot of meanings and interpretations, so it would be right to examine the different meanings of the word. Discipline on one hand can be said to be expectations required by the authorities in place including societies, self, fields and so on. It can also be said to mean any form of training that is meant to yield a particular character or behavioural pattern. It can be inactions or actions regulated so that they are in accordance with a particular method or way of governance. Discipline is known to help increase order it is employed to regulate the behaviour of human and also animal.

There are a few techniques that can be utilised to entrench discipline. Time management is an example of such techniques of discipline that uses time as a regulator and employs the time observance as a governor. The goal is the efficient use of time and this helps get the most out of time by setting limits to the time an activity can take. Another technique is discipline that is based on responsibility; the technique helps the individual understand solutions to problems in a particular organisation.

Physical punishment of an individual is a technique of discipline that is debated widely because it involves slapping, spanking and also hitting the individual with object employing varying degrees from mid to quite extreme force. The objective of this is to imbibe the understanding that there are consequences for every action in the individual. Punishment can achieve immediate results as it serves a big reminder that there are punishments when laws and rules are broken.

Discipline is primarily moral obligation that is rampant among a lot of people. Behaviour of discipline is demanded by certain laws and some other legal responsibilities. Corporations and businesses also put some tough requirements of discipline in place for the duration of a contract or agreement. For examples, customers in a store and passengers on a flight have to abide by some set rules. The instruction and education of children to use waste disposal bins can also be seen as a type of education in discipline that is needed in some societies. It is believed that discipline in an adult starts from childhood as a child who has not being educated on the little things that form discipline will grow up and not become disciplined.

Also, discipline can be seen in the military through efforts superiors make to meet out punishment to a serviceperson. In academic institutions, discipline is simply the efforts and also responses of the educator to punish erring students. Discipline plays a very vital role in the lives of individuals; it helps reveal the true face of a person.

It is important that a person demonstrates his discipline to first his family then also his country. It is quite essential that discipline is enshrined in family life; discipline is a very important quality that every human should have.

Essay on Discipline – For School Students (Essay 7 – 600 Words )

Discipline is compliance to rules and regulations framed for smooth running of a system for a purpose, like students’ behaviour in school, inculcating cultural values in children, living in harmony in society etc.

What is Discipline?

Discipline means order, regularity and duty. Discipline is all about doing right things the right way at right time and is most important in everyone’s life to lead a smooth life. Discipline can be in the form of rules & regulations, guidelines, customs, code of conduct, traditions or practices. Discipline is also defined as the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour that specify punishment for being undisciplined.

Importance of Discipline:

We all follow various types of discipline in our daily lives – at home, at work, in market etc. For any system or institution to function smoothly, be it family, education, workplace or society, discipline must be maintained. For example, discipline in a society means that all members follow certain defined rules and regulations. Discipline at the workplace implies that all people in the office, work and maintain the defined code of conduct. We need discipline in many ways like how we talk, dress up, walk, behave etc. So it is good to practice discipline from the childhood. Discipline is very necessary for all to live a successful, smooth and happy life. Lack of discipline or not following discipline causes problem, disorder or conflict.

Discipline in Early Life:

Discipline training starts from the early stage of life. Both, at school and at home, children are taught to follow set rules of discipline. Parents and teachers have significant role to play in early life. Starting with school, student life is a period of learning. As students, we learn to be disciplined – sincere, dedicated, confident, punctual, respect elders, and follow rules. Discipline in student life plays significant role in shaping the personality and molding the character. The discipline learned in student life, the formation period of life, lays the foundation of the habits and manners.

Healthy Life & Discipline:

One should be healthy and fit for life and for this strict discipline must be practiced from early life. It is well known that a healthy body has a healthy mind. One who is disciplined rises high in life. We have several examples of great men in history like Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Rama Krishna, Albert Einstein, all were successful in their lives because they lived a disciplined life.

Essay on Discipline (Essay 8 – 750 Words )

Discipline – What we understand:

Discipline, as soon as you search about it, you can get a host of meanings in the dictionary. We have so often heard about it, that many people, in fact, have just learnt about it by listening to others without having referred to its actual meaning in the dictionary. In proper terms, it means the enactment of something as per the governed principles.

Importance of Being Self-Disciplined:

Self-discipline is a standout amongst the most essential and helpful abilities everybody ought to have. This aptitude is basic in everyday issue, and however the vast majority recognize its significance, but not much is done to accomplish it or to reinforce it. As opposed to normal conviction, self-discipline does not mean being cruel towards oneself or carrying on with a constrained, prohibitive way of life. Self-discipline implies restraint, which is an indication of internal quality and control on yourself, your activities, and your responses. Self-discipline enables you to adhere to your choices and finish them, without altering your opinion, and is accordingly, one of the vital prerequisites for accomplishing objectives. The ownership of this aptitude empowers you to continue on with your choices and plans until the point that you achieve them. It likewise shows as inward quality, helping you to defeat addictions, stalling and apathy, and to finish whatever you do.

Advantages of Being Disciplined:

There are several advantages of inculcating discipline in life. For instance, it helps you remain more focused on what you intend to do. A person who is disciplined is more focused and keeps up to work on time in the regular day to day activities. Bad habits usually stay away from disciplined people and the person is able to keep his mind concentrated on his work or objectives staying away from mental unsettling influences.

Another advantage of being disciplined is that a disciplined person earns more respect in the society as compared to his counterparts. At the start, one may find it difficult to lead a disciplined life. But once, you are through, you tend to become a role model for others to follow. For example, if you decide that you shall not break the law, no matter how small it is, you won’t even be tempted to cross an intersection until signaled green.

Examples from History:

There have been several examples from history where our leaders have shown us how to be disciplined in life. The recent example is of Steve Jobs. In 1985 Steve Jobs was expelled from Apple PCs. Being deprived of intensity and constrained from the organization that he made, Jobs didn’t battle back with lawful activity or a smear crusade, which he could have without a doubt managed. Rather, Jobs concentrated on what he could control – his activities. He established NeXT Computer, was involved in Pixar’s prosperity and sharpened his aptitudes more than 12 years to end up as the CEO of Apple again in 1997. Another recent example is of our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He not only taught self-restraint but also preached the importance of discipline in one’s life.

Dating back to the oldest of records, one can find mention of discipline in the Ramayana as well. Lord Ram is referred to as Maryada Purushottam Ram or a perfect / disciplined man. His moral conducts towards life and model behaviour towards others are preached as the standards a man should set for himself even today. He taught us how to remain disciplined and try to be the perfect human being we all can actually be.

Discipline is the most imperative thing in everybody’s life. Without discipline, it is not possible to carry on a meaningful life. It is the demonstration of living with a few standards and directions. Discipline is everything which we do on the correct route and in perfect time. It drives us towards the correct way of doing things. We as a whole should definitely follow a disciplined life in order to live a structured yet happy and peaceful life.

Essay on Discipline – Types, Principles and Challenges (Essay 9 – 1000 Words )

Introduction:

Discipline is probably one of the most mentioned word you heard while growing up. It never gets old because discipline is required in all stages of life. Being disciplined sounds like a very heavy thing but it is simply the act of obeying the rules set for you as a guide for behaviour. Guides for behaviour are mostly used in schools and organizations. At home, being disciplined is basically following the right thing and displaying acceptable behaviour according to morals. Consequences of indiscipline at school and at home were severe such that children opted to be in their best behaviour. Teachers have a hard task in shaping the behaviour of children and they had to be “bad cops” every time in order to ensure discipline of students. In professional lives, discipline and code of conduct for employees is controlled by leaders and managers. It is really hectic when it comes to discipline in adults because the forms of punishment as consequences of indiscipline are hard to apply on people you respect especially those who are older than you. As a manager, it is important that discipline is maintained.

Types of Discipline:

There are three types of discipline based on behaviour modification. These types of discipline are aimed at correcting misbehavior. Misbehavior is any behaviour that is inappropriate according to the guidelines for behaviour that are set for a specific area.

The first type of discipline is preventive discipline. This type of discipline focuses on preventing certain type of behaviour from being displayed by the subjects. It actually diverts them from misbehaving and cause improvements in that area. It has been used in most schools to prevent absurd behaviour among students due to the restrictions put in place by the guide for behaviour.

The other type is supportive discipline. This type of discipline is aimed at supporting the virtues in an individual like self-control and it helps them get back on track easily. It is supportive through provision of positive feedback to the subjects, showing interest in the activities of the subjects and helping the subjects whenever they have difficulties so as to encourage good behaviour.

The third type of discipline is corrective discipline. This discipline is involved with the problem and deals with it directly. This type of discipline is known to be uncomfortable and intimidating and so people try to avoid sing it. Despite the discomfort and intimidating effects, it is a very effective type because the subject will have to go through the consequences of their misbehavior. It has been used to cease disruptive behaviour among students and its effectiveness has been realized.

Principles of Discipline Management:

Discipline is not just performed by anyone in whichever way they like, it should follow the principles of discipline in order for it to be effective. Discipline should search for a balance between finding disciplinary action and its long term effects. As a parent or a teacher, it is upon you to discipline your child but how you do it matters because the child may end up having feelings of hate towards you, which leads to more inappropriate behaviour. The reason why teachers tend to quit their jobs within the first years of practice is the lack of finding a balance while controlling behaviour of a child.

Another principle is the use of affective approach in discipline. According to the theories by Freud Sigmoid and Carl Rodgers, behaviour, implications of how adults discipline children were felt differently and that is why an effective approach is preferred.

Behavioral approach to discipline is a principle that is vital in controlling behaviour. According to a behaviorist theory by Skinner, there is classical conditioning and operant conditioning, both aimed at controlling behaviour. Through positive and negative reinforcements, behaviour can be corrected and that makes the disciplining act successful.

Cognitive approach to discipline was developed due to the cognitive developmental theories. Controlling behaviour is highly dependent on the cognition because thought processes influence behaviour. Using the psychological approach to change someone’s thinking will result in change of behaviour. This approach works for all ages because cognitive development is for all stages of life.

Challenges Facing Discipline Management:

Management of discipline is affected by factors which challenge the process. One factor is the lack of effective communication. When the guide for behaviour has not clearly been communicated to the subjects, incidences of misbehavior may be noted. It would be inappropriate to discipline the subject because they had no idea it was a wrong thing to do. In order for discipline to be effective, clear communication of the required behaviour should be communicated.

Lack of respect to authority. As time goes by, we realize that respect diminishes especially in schools. In the olden times, teachers received utmost respect from the students, some were even feared. Nowadays, respect has deteriorated and most of the teachers are young. Discipline management in situations where leaders are not respected is sort of impossible.

Economic difficulties also contribute to ineffective discipline managements. Due to increase in population, management of discipline is hard because misbehavior incidences increase due to poverty and discipline management is compromised through these economic hardships. There are also less resources to use in discipline management.

Disruptive behavior of the leader causes ineffective discipline management. Disruptive behaviour of leaders is in the form of lack of interest in the activities of the subjects and the lack of commitment in improving the behaviour of their subjects. Leadership and management roles involve disciplining but that cannot be possible in situations where the leaders and managers lack interest in their subordinates. Leaders and managers should always take part in improving the behaviors and personalities of their subjects so that working with them become easier.

To conclude, discipline is actually the art of shaping behaviour. The management of discipline requires specific regulations through principles to enhance its effectiveness. The challenges facing discipline management are situational and can be avoided. As a leader or a manager, the role of discipline should be under your control at all times in order to gain respect from your subordinates.

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Nature (Chap. 5)

Nature (chap. 5) lyrics.

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Nature is an essay written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, published anonymously in 1836. It is in this essay that the foundation of transcendentalism is put forth. Transcendentalism suggests that divinity suffuses all nature, and speaks to the notion that we can only understand reality through studying nature.

Within this essay, Emerson divides nature into four usages: Commodity, Beauty, Language and Discipline.

The essay is often published in the format of a chapter book. Chapter 5 is devoted to the concept of Discipline .

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

essay on discipline in nature

  • 1. Nature (Introduction)
  • 2. Nature (Chap. 1)
  • 3. Nature (Chap. 2)
  • 4. Nature (Chap. 3)
  • 5. Nature (Chap. 4)
  • 6. Nature (Chap. 5)
  • 7. Nature (Chap. 6)
  • 8. Nature (Chap. 7)
  • 9. Nature (Chap. 8)

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essay on discipline in nature

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Essay on discipline: definition, concept, components and principles.

essay on discipline in nature

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Read this article to learn about the discipline in educational management.

Meaning of Discipline:

The genesis of the word “Discipline” is supposed from the Latin word “Disciplina” which means management, rule, education, practice, teaching and trained condition. The derivation of English word “Discipline” is supposed from the Latin word “Discipulum” which means pupil. This is expected from the pupils that he should obey his teachers respectfully and according to him, he should develop necessary and required qualities in himself for successful life.

In this way, the meaning of discipline is to create regularity in conduct. Lot of words is used in Hindi for discipline, for example, control, regulation, self-restraint, courtesy etc. The use of the word “Control” would be appropriate at the place where some-one is to be kept forcibly in possession, where according to some fixed rules, the man is asked to do work and, there “regulation” would be used. Where the child obeys his elders with courtesy and respect, there the word “courtesy” would be proper to use. But, “discipline” is the word which covers all those aspects mentioned above. The use of this word “Discipline” is more sound.

Definition of Discipline:

Discipline is derived from the Latin word “Discipulus” which means to learn. It is the same root from which the word disciple is taken. Literally, discipline is a mode of life in accordance with certain rules and regulations. It is a sort of self-control reflected in public actions. This control is not forced upon the individual. It flows out from within. Hence, discipline is spontaneous and not a mere submission to authority in an obedient manner.

The term ‘discipline’ refers to a state of orderly conduct of an individual which is gained through training in self-control and in habits of obedience to socially approved standards of thought and action. It implies a good understanding of right conduct. The formation of desirable habits and attitudes and an adherence to such standards are just and necessary. It includes the socialization of behaviour, the manner of working and living in co-operation and the subordination of individual interests to group interests. True discipline therefore provides for both individual and group welfare in a democratic society.

Modern Concept of Discipline:

According to modern educational thinking the meaning of discipline is taken in wide spread form. Today, where the objective of education has been understood to develop qualities of successful citizenship and sociability in child, at the same place, school discipline is meant internal and external discipline which should develop physical, mental, social and ethical values.

Modern concept of discipline is one in which self-discipline and social disciplines are stressed especially or particularly. The great educationist John Dewey has influenced sufficiently. He says that according to maximum modem thoughts, the meaning of discipline is to prepare children for life in democratic society, to provide help to man in achieving knowledge, strength, habits, interest and ideas which are envisaged for the up-gradation of self, his companies and whole of the society.

Importance of Discipline:

Discipline is very much important in life. In absence of it man cannot utilize powers properly given by nature (God). Through discipline only man can attain power and by this power he becomes capable of developing of his natural tendencies with personal view point. Along with it, discipline is also very much important from social view point. The great philosopher, Aristotle said, “A nation is not built by mountains and trees, for withstanding it is built by character of its citizens”.

This statement is completely true. When the citizens of some country would be disciplined they would be capable of taking their country on the path of progress. A disciplined person is of good character, and pious by mind, words and actions. In this way, it is clear that for nation or entire society discipline is very important. This fact can be made clear with the help of history also.

The history is witnessed to the time, when some country becomes prey of indiscipline; it had to accept slavery of external powers. Through discipline, a man and entire society or nation get alert. In want of it, this power perishes which results severe consequences. In this way, what a man, what a nation and what a society, personality of all is made by the great by discipline.

Discipline in Educational Institution:

Discipline in schools generally means, “Orders and system in doing things, regularity and obedience to commands.” But discipline is not synonymous with class order. It should be identified with orderly behaviour in the classroom and other forms of school activities. Outward show of order can also be maintained by force of fear. That is not real discipline. Real discipline implies persuasion while order implies compulsion.

It is therefore important that school discipline or discipline in the educational institution should be there for a gradual building up of habits, self-control and co-operation and carried out pupils, not because it is imposed from above, but because of the recognition by its necessity and value. So, discipline in educational institution or school should imply the cultivation of certain desirable attitudes, habits and values in pupils.

Components of Discipline:

Some of the most important components of discipline which are used in educational institutions are as follows:

The foundation of discipline is deeply rooted in the total school programme and classroom situation.

It has a set of components, t hese are as follows:

(i) Head of the Institution:

The success or failure of any educational institution depends upon the personality of the head of that educational institution. He must possess some philosophy of discipline. He must have some well grounded fundamental principles which guide him to his treat the teachers and students.

(ii) The Teacher:

The teacher is the fountain head of discipline and character formation. With good teachers, half the problem of school discipline disappears. Besides, his cleverness and originality, every teacher should be a good disciplinarian himself. This will depend on his keen insight, patience, sympathy, love, justice and impartiality.

(iii) Co-curricular Activities:

Sports, Scouting, N.C.C., Social Service and community activities of the type, develop in students a sense of self-control and self-confidence, which is the cornerstone of discipline. Such activities give our students practical lessons on the basis of their will. Social co-operation, respect for authority and leadership training can pave the right way of instructing them in the fundamentals of true discipline.

(iv) Building up Traditions:

It is already known to every-body that the higher and nobler the traditions built-up by a school, the greater the efforts on the part of students and teachers to maintain those traditions. Traditions are transmitted from one generation of students to the other and as such, if properly guided, students would never try to lower the noble traditions built by those who have gone before them.

(v) Teaching Methods:

If appropriate methods of teaching are employed, the chances of students getting in-disciplined or going astray, will be few and far between. Classroom methods should be directed towards producing well-adjusted and self-disciplined individuals and towards the building up of a high morale.

(vi) Self-Government in Schools:

In every secondary school, students should be properly associated with the administration of discipline as well as with the health, sports, dramatics and other school activities. Such an association will make them obedient to rules and regulations far more real, meaningful and willing than when the same is imposed from above.

(vii) A Good School Environment:

Every educational institution or school should prepare its calendar in the beginning of new educational session, giving a clear idea of the aims, the courses of study, administrative rules and regulations, as well as the plans of curricular and co-curricular activities of the institution,

(viii) Judicious use of Rewards and Punishments:

Meritorious and successful efforts on the part of students, must be recognized and rewarded. But rewards must not encourage unhealthy competition among students. These should be very few and administered, in a manner that may appeal to the higher motive of students.

(ix) Effective Team-Workers:

A sense of unity, co-operation and fellow feeling, prevailing among the school staff is sure to reflect upon the pupils. The young pupils in schools watch very minutely the activities of their teachers and try to imitate them for good or bad, as the case may be. It is therefore necessary that in order to promote discipline among pupils, it must first be established and maintained among the members of school-staff.

Principles for Maintaining Discipline:

(1) The base of discipline should be love, trust and goodwill as fear or doubt based discipline is quite temporary or momentary. For maintaining true discipline, there should be love for each other among school authorities like principal, teachers and students. Love originates trust and sets the foundation of discipline.

(2) Good discipline should be based on co-operation. It is most essential to keep and maintain co-operation between principal and teachers, teachers and lady teachers, teachers and pupils, teachers and guardians and students and students. If there would be no co-operation it would be very difficult to maintain good discipline. For this we have to establish rapport among all necessarily.

(3) For maintaining discipline, punishment should not be used. If someone does not leave his bad habits in any way only then its use would be necessary. If punishment is used again and again, it may create various kinds of complexes in the mind of pupils. Due to this their personality might be imbalanced. Hence, punishment should not be used as far as possible.

(4) The entire climate of school should be made beautiful and coordinating. This responsibility should not be borne by teachers and authorities alone. Rather for creating this type of atmosphere the students, guardians and whole of the society will have to take responsibility.

(5) Various creative activities should be given place in the school or educational institution, so that, children may derive mental and emotional satisfaction by doing the various activities according to their interests. For this there will be no possibility of creating problems of indiscipline.

(6) The children should be imparted knowledge about the importance of discipline. For this, only discourses are not enough through the examples of the various great persons. Rather the knowledge regarding this should be imparted to the children and the principal himself and teachers should produce their examples before them.

(7) Sufficient liberty and facilities should be given to the students and teachers for doing their duties in the educational institution or in the school.

(8) The guardians should be encouraged for making family life beautiful and comfortable as the child passes most of his time in home. If the family life is not appropriate rather it is contaminated, there would be possibility of failure of good efforts of school. Thus, through various means, the guardians should be motivated for making their family life healthy and adaptable.

Related Articles:

  • Institutional Climate: Meaning and Components
  • Sample Essay on the Concept of Discipline

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Essay On Importance Of Discipline for Students and Children

500+ words essay on importance of discipline.

Discipline refers to the practice of making people obey rules. Furthermore, it also means following certain acceptable standards of behavior. Discipline is certainly an essential thing in everyone’s life. A life without discipline is a life full of chaos and confusion. Most noteworthy, discipline makes a person into a better human being. Discipline is a trait of paramount importance.

Essay On Importance Of Discipline

Why is Discipline Important?

First of all, discipline helps an individual in becoming more focused. Furthermore, a person of discipline tends to have a much better focus on his work, activities or goals. Discipline, makes a person avoid distractions of various kinds. A feeling of sincerity and seriousness comes in due to discipline. Consequently, a high-quality focus is the result of discipline.

Discipline brings a lot of respect for an individual from others. A disciplined individual by his very nature would command respect from others. Bringing discipline in one’s life is a difficult task. Consequently, people admire such an individual who manages to fills his life with discipline.

Another notable impact of discipline is good health. A disciplined individual has a proper schedule of doing everything. Therefore, an individual of discipline has a fixed time for eating, sleeping, rising, exercising, working, etc. Furthermore, such an individual is very strict with regard to his diet as well. Consequently, all of these measures ensure good health and body fitness of the individual.

Self-control is a praiseworthy benefit of discipline. A person of discipline exercises better restraint and control over his actions. A disciplined person is very careful with the use of his words when talking with others. Furthermore, such an individual ensures that his behaviour is decent and appropriate at all times.

Having more time is a precious advantage of staying in the discipline. A disciplined individual will certainly have more time than an undisciplined individual. This is because a person of discipline will not waste time in useless or worthless activities. Furthermore, an individual of discipline will not donate excessive time on any one task. By following this approach, people would have a lot of free time with them. This free time would certainly not have been possible in case of indiscipline.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Techniques of Discipline

Time management is a very popular technique of discipline. Time management utilizes time as a regulator. Furthermore, time management utilizes the observer of time as the governor. Most noteworthy, time management ensures that the usage of time takes place in an efficient manner. Moreover, time management marks each activity within a boundary of time. Consequently, each activity and task must begin and end at a specific fixed time.

Responsibility based discipline is another technique. Furthermore, this technique co-opts members of an organization to understand remedies for a problem. Responsibility-based discipline involves laying out instructions for modifying future behavior. Also, this takes place by following good respectful role-models.

Another important technique of discipline is corporal punishment . This technique involves scolding, spanking, or hitting people. Most noteworthy, this technique is useful for school students. This is because; many school students are very rude and naughty. Hence, merely mild talking or instructions may not work with them.

In conclusion, discipline is a significantly important quality to have in every walk of life. Discipline is certainly the ladder towards success. Furthermore, discipline brings out the best in us. Most noteworthy, discipline keeps our body, mind, and soul under control.

FAQs on  Importance Of Discipline

Q1 Give any one reason why discipline is important?

A1 One reason why discipline is important is that discipline helps an individual in becoming more focused.

Q2 Name any two techniques of Discipline?

A2 Two techniques of discipline are time management and responsibility based discipline.

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Essay on Discipline

Students are often asked to write an essay on Discipline in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Discipline

Understanding discipline.

Discipline means following a set of rules. It helps us to stay focused and behave in a controlled manner. Discipline is important in every aspect of life.

The Importance of Discipline

Discipline plays a crucial role in our lives. It helps us to achieve our goals by keeping us focused. Discipline also teaches us to respect others and their rights.

Discipline in School

In schools, discipline helps to maintain a peaceful environment. It encourages students to listen, learn, and respect their teachers and peers.

In conclusion, discipline is a key to success. It shapes our character and helps us to be responsible individuals.

250 Words Essay on Discipline

Introduction.

Discipline is the cornerstone of success and the foundation of personal growth. It is the process of training oneself in obedience, self-control, skill, and character. It is a vital aspect of life, not only in our personal lives but also in professional spheres.

The Essence of Discipline

Discipline is the invisible force that guides us in the right direction. It is a set of standards and principles that helps us navigate through life’s challenges. It encourages consistency, fosters resilience, and promotes self-control. The ability to maintain discipline can lead to a balanced life, filled with achievement and satisfaction.

Discipline and Success

Success and discipline are intertwined. The most successful individuals are often those who have mastered the art of self-discipline. They understand the value of time, the importance of perseverance, and the necessity of working towards their goals diligently. Discipline allows them to overcome obstacles, stay focused, and remain committed to their objectives.

Discipline in Education

In the realm of education, discipline plays a pivotal role. It fosters a conducive learning environment, promotes academic integrity, and encourages students to strive for excellence. A disciplined approach to studies can lead to better time management, effective learning strategies, and ultimately, academic success.

In conclusion, discipline is a fundamental component of our lives. It is the driving force behind our achievements, the pillar of our personal growth, and the key to success. By embracing discipline, we can unlock our full potential and lead a fulfilling, productive life.

500 Words Essay on Discipline

Discipline is the backbone of character. It instills in us the ability to make wise decisions, and it is the driving force behind the pursuit of excellence. It is not merely a constraint but a catalyst that propels us towards our goals. Self-discipline, in particular, is a powerful tool that aids in the cultivation of perseverance, resilience, and determination. It helps us focus on our goals and keeps us motivated in the face of adversity.

Discipline and Education

The role of discipline in education cannot be overstated. It is a critical factor in academic success. Discipline helps students to concentrate on their studies, manage their time effectively, and maintain a positive attitude towards learning. It fosters a conducive learning environment that promotes intellectual growth and creativity. Moreover, it helps students develop essential life skills such as punctuality, responsibility, and respect for others.

Discipline in Professional Life

Discipline and society.

In conclusion, discipline is an indispensable part of our lives. It is the cornerstone of personal, academic, professional, and societal success. It is a virtue that needs to be cultivated from an early age and practiced throughout life. Despite its perceived rigidity, discipline is not about restriction but about freedom – the freedom to grow, to learn, and to achieve our full potential. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to embrace discipline in all aspects of our lives and strive for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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Essay on Discipline 1000+ Words

Discipline is a fundamental concept that has played a pivotal role in the lives of individuals, the functioning of organizations, and the progress of societies. It encompasses self-control, order, and adherence to a set of rules or principles. It is not merely about punishment; rather, it is fundamentally about fostering personal growth, enhancing productivity, and ultimately achieving one’s goals. In this essay, we will explore the multifaceted nature of discipline, its significance in various aspects of life, and how it contributes to success.

Discipline in Personal Development

One of the most critical aspects of discipline is its role in personal development. Discipline provides individuals with the structure and consistency necessary for self-improvement. This regulation can manifest in various ways, including time management, setting and achieving goals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Statistics consistently show that directional individuals are more likely to succeed in their personal and professional lives. For example, a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that people who adhere to a disciplined schedule are more productive and less likely to procrastinate.

Discipline in Education

In the realm of education, discipline plays a pivotal role in a student’s academic success. Maintaining a directional approach to study involves effective time management, dedication to regular study routines, and the ability to resist distractions. Students who exhibit discipline tend to perform better in exams and coursework. Moreover, discipline extends to classroom behavior and respect for teachers and peers. A well-disciplined classroom environment facilitates effective learning and ensures that students can focus on their studies without disruptions

Discipline in Professional Life

Discipline is equally vital in the professional world. Employees who demonstrate self control in their work habits are more likely to meet deadlines, produce high-quality work, and advance in their careers. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers consistently rank self control as one of the most desirable traits in potential hires.

Furthermore, self control in the workplace contributes to a positive organizational culture. It fosters accountability, punctuality, and a sense of responsibility among employees. This, in turn, enhances teamwork and the overall productivity of the organization.

Discipline in Health and Wellness

It plays a significant role in maintaining both physical and mental health. Moreover, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep all require discipline to achieve and maintain. Consequently, those who adhere to healthy habits are less likely to suffer from chronic illnesses and are more likely to enjoy a higher quality of life.

Furthermore, self control in mental health includes practices such as meditation, stress management, and emotional regulation. Cultivating these determination can lead to greater emotional resilience and improved overall well-being.

Discipline in Relationships

Effective communication, trust, and respect are essential elements of healthy relationships. Furthermore, in maintaining these qualities is crucial to fostering strong bonds with family, friends, and romantic partners For example, active listening and empathy require discipline to practice consistently.

Additionally, self control in relationships involves setting and respecting boundaries. This ensures that both parties feel secure and respected, leading to more harmonious and lasting relationships

Discipline in Financial Management

Financial discipline is a cornerstone of long-term financial success. It involves budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions. Individuals who exercise financial self regulation are more likely to achieve financial security, build wealth, and prepare for retirement.

Statistics show that a significant number of people struggle with financial discipline. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 64% of Americans report feeling stressed about money. Implementing financial discipline can alleviate this stress and provide individuals with greater financial freedom

Expert Opinions on Discipline

Experts from various fields have consistently emphasized the importance of discipline in achieving success. Renowned psychologist Angela Duckworth, in her book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” highlights the significance of regulation as a key factor in achieving long-term goals. Duckworth’s research indicates that individuals with grit, a combination of passion and perseverance, are more likely to succeed in their endeavors.

In the business world, entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett attribute their success to regulated work habits and the ability to focus on their goals. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, is known for his relentless work ethic and commitment to his vision.

Conclusion of Essay on Discipline

In conclusion, discipline is a multifaceted concept that plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, including personal development, education, professional success, health, relationships, and financial management. Its significance is evident through statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples of successful individuals and organizations. Self control is not a punitive measure but a means to foster personal growth, responsibility, and achievement. It provides structure and consistency, enabling individuals to overcome challenges and work toward their goals.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, discipline serves as a guiding principle for those who seek success and fulfillment. To achieve success in any endeavor, one must recognize the importance of discipline and cultivate it as a lifelong habit. Whether in the pursuit of personal goals or the advancement of society, self control remains an essential tool for realizing our potential and making the most of our opportunities.

Also Check: 500+ Words Essay on Wonder Of Science

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Paragraph On Discipline | Importance Of Discipline in Students Life

Here below, you will find a short, easy, and brief paragraph on discipline for classes 2, 3, and 5 kids and for higher secondary education classes 9 and 10 class students.

Discipline is very important in a student’s life. Read the following paragraph to learn the importance and advantages of discipline in life.

Table of Contents

Short & Long Paragraph On Discipline  For Children & Students

Discipline is a term of following certain rules and regulations on personal conduct to get success in life.

It also means shaping our character and minds, developing self-control, and the habit of obedience. It is the first step towards success, without which one cannot wish for success and build good manners .

Maintaining a proper sleep pattern, proper diet, healthy lifestyle, sports, and study management all come under the category of discipline.

Nature itself demonstrates the mechanism of discipline. Everything, including stars, planets, the sun and the moon, moves according to a system of discipline.

Discipline Paragraph for Student

1. Importance Of Discipline

Discipline is very important in our daily lives. The very beginning of its role starts in our educational institutions.

At student level, discipline is very necessary for a student to become successful in the future. That is why students are always advised to learn discipline from an early age. It helps a student get organized and punctual in life.

A person with discipline always performs their tasks on time. He knows what he wants in his life and stays focused on his goals. A nation is not built on mountains or trees; it is built on the characters of its citizens.

History shows that in the past, countries that were prey to indiscipline had to accept slavery from external powers.

Therefore, it is important to learn the importance of discipline and hard work, which are two main things that make us physically and mentally capable of making our country proud.

People are considered the wealth of a nation, and they are responsible for the prosperity of a country. So, a country that knows the value of discipline will never face defeat.

On the other hand, a person lacking discipline will always face failure and disrespect in life. He will not be focused on his goals, and he will be left behind in the race of life.

2. Advantages Of Discipline

1. A person with a disciplined life always leads a successful life.

2. Discipline develops a sense of responsibility and credibility in a person.

3. It enhances the capability of a person to face the challenges of life.

4. Discipline comes in handy everywhere, including the office, school, sports, or visiting someone.

5. A disciplined person always leaves a positive impact on the minds of others.

6. Discipline is a positive virtue in one’s life that makes a man punctual, honest, and regular.

7. People who remain disciplined stay away from bad habits. They have certain rules and regulations that help them stay focused on their goal.

8. Everyone respects a disciplined man, and he is considered a role model.

3. Ways To Maintain Discipline

1. First of all, punishment should not be used to maintain discipline. It creates various types of complexes in the mind. Therefore, discipline should be taught and not enforced.

2. Another way to maintain good discipline is that it should be based on cooperation and trust because it sets the foundation of discipline.

4. Conclusion

Discipline is the bridge between goals and achievements. It is mandatory for the successful functioning of every institution.

The habits we acquire at a young age continue lifelong. Therefore, it is important for every individual to maintain discipline in order to lead a successful life .

Paragraph Writing

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Paragraph on Discipline - Check Samples for Various Word Limits

We all have our dreams and wishes to fulfil, and we are all fighting for those every day. Discipline is the key to achieving any kind of success. Being disciplined is an important part of every individual; it helps us to follow a successful path. Read this article to learn more about the importance of being disciplined and also how to write a paragraph on discipline.

Table of Contents

Paragraph on discipline in 100 words, paragraph on discipline in 150 words, paragraph on discipline in 200 words, paragraph on discipline in 250 words, frequently asked questions on discipline paragraph.

It is rightly said that being disciplined is essential in life. When a person leads a disciplined life, they set an easy path to success. They will develop an approach to happiness and a beautiful future ahead. Being disciplined is the practice of having a scheduled daily routine which helps an individual to be punctual and hard-working. An individual is taught what being disciplined means from the time they are young. Even though discipline takes a lot of effort, the advantages of a disciplined life make it a worthwhile endeavour.

Discipline is described as adhering to or obeying a set of rules. Our lives become more organised when we follow those rules. Working as per the rules is a lot of fun and makes everything normal and straightforward. That’s why there is a determined effort to maintain discipline in institutions like schools. A disciplined person is obedient to the proper authority and also has self-governing behaviour. Being disciplined is essential in all aspects of life and is required for every endeavour. This is necessary for everyone to collaborate on a project. If we do not follow our superiors’ directions and rules, we will face challenges, and our efforts may fail. Maintaining our daily routines like waking up early in the morning, having water as required and freshening up before starting our day – all account to leading a disciplined life.

Discipline refers to a collection of rules, limitations, and behavioural patterns that must be followed. When these factors are integrated and used, they assist in maintaining the social and personal order of events in life. Discipline can be developed at home starting at a young age. As a result, it spreads and develops, affecting various aspects of life. Personal discipline includes things like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, eating good food, exercising, pursuing a passion or interest, and participating in sports on a regular basis. Behaving in a certain way in social situations, meetings, or activities is referred to as social discipline. Professional discipline, on the other hand, mostly entails time management, meeting deadlines, greeting seniors correctly, and keeping healthy relationships, among other things. Discipline is an inextricable aspect of society, and its role begins in our educational institutions. People nowadays frequently lose sight of time and must make great efforts to maintain a disciplined lifestyle. Various ways to maintain a disciplined lifestyle are being aware of the rules and guidelines, coordinating with co-workers, keeping personal and professional lives separate and maintaining both, etc.

Human beings are the most important components of every social framework, and rules and laws are required for any system to function. A system or an individual is considered to be disciplined when these norms regulate human behaviour and create a sense of organisation. Every facet of human life, as well as other kinds of life, benefits from discipline. It instils a sense of accountability and credibility and encourages people to take responsibility for their actions.

Discipline may be found everywhere, from a sportsperson’s daily routine to a businessperson’s regular schedule or a child’s first steps. However, it is equally crucial to recognise that the same set of rules does not apply to everyone. A disciplinary regimen should always be constructed to fulfil individual requirements first, unlike “terms and conditions” that set out their own demands.

We frequently have to run so fast to keep up with the mob in the fast-paced lifestyles that we forget about our own plans. This causes problems like insomnia, anxiety, and, in a worst-case scenario, extreme mental turmoil. We must continue to push ourselves to remain in the competition, but prioritising our goals is essential. While ‘discipline’ has many interpretations and perceptions, its ultimate goal is to provide us with a clear understanding of life. The history of great individuals demonstrates the need for discipline in achieving goals. Discipline does not have to be something that governs every minute of our lives; it can take the form of modest steps that, one day, will result in a greater, better version of ourselves.

What is meant by discipline in simple terms?

Why is it important to be disciplined in life.

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essay on discipline in nature

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  • Published: 06 September 2024

Five lessons for avoiding failure when scaling in conservation

  • Thomas Pienkowski   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3803-7533 1   na1 ,
  • Arundhati Jagadish   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6360-6179 2 , 3   na1 ,
  • Willow Battista   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2616-2740 4 ,
  • Gloria Christelle Blaise   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8780-5976 1 , 5 ,
  • Alec Philip Christie   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8465-8410 1 , 6 , 7 ,
  • Matt Clark   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3217-1192 1 ,
  • Antony Philip Emenyu 8 ,
  • Abha Joglekar   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0000-9601-9002 1 ,
  • Kristian Steensen Nielsen   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8395-4007 9 ,
  • Tom Powell   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5240-0351 8 ,
  • Thomas White 10 , 11 &
  • Morena Mills   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9865-0770 1  

Nature Ecology & Evolution ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Many attempts to scale conservation actions have failed to deliver their intended benefits, caused unintended harm or later been abandoned, hampering efforts to bend the curve on biodiversity loss. Here we encourage those calling for scaling to pause and reflect on past scaling efforts, which offer valuable lessons: the total impact of an action depends on both its effectiveness and scalability; effectiveness can change depending on scale for multiple reasons; feedback processes can change socio-ecological conditions influencing future adoption; and the drive to scale can incentivize bad practices that undermine long-term outcomes. Cutting across these themes is the recognition that monitoring scaling can enhance evidence-informed adaptive management, reporting and research. We draw on evidence and concepts from disparate fields, explore new linkages between often isolated concepts and suggest strategies for practitioners, policymakers and researchers. Reflecting on these five lessons may help in the scaling of effective conservation actions in responsible ways to meet the triple goals of reversing biodiversity loss, combating climate change and supporting human wellbeing.

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Acknowledgements

T. Pienkowski., M.C. and M.M. thank the Leverhulme Trust for the research grant (RPG-2021-440) that supported this work. This is contribution #9 from the “Insights for Catalyzing Conservation at Scale” initiative.

Author information

These authors contributed equally: Thomas Pienkowski, Arundhati Jagadish.

Authors and Affiliations

Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK

Thomas Pienkowski, Gloria Christelle Blaise, Alec Philip Christie, Matt Clark, Abha Joglekar & Morena Mills

The Betty and Gordon Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, VA, USA

Arundhati Jagadish

Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, India

Environmental Defense Fund, New York, NY, USA

Willow Battista

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

Gloria Christelle Blaise

Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Alec Philip Christie

Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

Antony Philip Emenyu & Tom Powell

Department of Management, Society and Communication, Copenhagen Business School, Frederiksberg, Denmark

Kristian Steensen Nielsen

Department of Biology and Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

Thomas White

The Biodiversity Consultancy, Cambridge, UK

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Contributions

T. Pienkowski and A. Jagadish conceived the study idea. T. Pienkowski, A. Jagadish, W.B., G.C.B., A.P.C., A.P.E., A. Joglekar, K.S.N., T. Powell, T.W. and M.M. wrote the original draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript and visualized the results. M.M. supervised the study. A. Jagadish and M.M. acquired the funding.

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Pienkowski, T., Jagadish, A., Battista, W. et al. Five lessons for avoiding failure when scaling in conservation. Nat Ecol Evol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02507-4

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