Ralph Waldo Emerson, …Journal, 1860 Browse All Authors Famous Quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson, …Journal, 1860 The teaching of politics is that the Government, which was set for protection and comfort of all good citizens, becomes the principal obstruction and nuisance with which we have to contend… The cheat and bully and malefactor we meet everywhere is the Government. Ralph Waldo Emerson, …Journal, 1860