Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882), one of American's most influential authors and thinkers, also a minister and noted lecturer. He is credited with the statement: "If a mancan write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, though he builds his house in the woods the world will make a beaten path to his door." —SHSBC Binder 1 Glossary