Who said “We are always getting ready to live, but never living.”?

Verified

Ralph Waldo Emerson. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceJournals (1822–1863), April 12, 1834

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For academic work, cite the original where you can: Journals (1822–1863), April 12, 1834.

APA

Emerson, R. W. (n.d.). We are always getting ready to live, but never living. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/753-we-are-always-getting-ready-to-live-but/

MLA

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “We are always getting ready to live, but never living.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/753-we-are-always-getting-ready-to-live-but/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “We are always getting ready to live, but never living.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/753-we-are-always-getting-ready-to-live-but/.

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