“If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap, than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.”
Cite this quote
APA
Emerson, R. W. (n.d.). If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap, than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31586-if-a-man-can-write-a-better-book/
MLA
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap, than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31586-if-a-man-can-write-a-better-book/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap, than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31586-if-a-man-can-write-a-better-book/.