"If a man is at heart just, then in so far is he God"

Here Emerson accomplishes a multitude of statements. Firstly, he is expressing his belief that man can achieve perfection, utter gloriousness equaling that of the Creator. He is also showing his optimism towards the human race, in the manner he words the phrase, because he doesn't say "If man could be at heart just." He is suggesting that any man on the Earth could achieve this status, and it is not an impossible task. Yet another thing this could sentence says, if heard by certain people, is that Emerson isn't trying to lift up Man Kind, which could also be seen offensive as nothing should be as good or as glorious as God, but trying to bring God down. While I certainly don't believe that was his intention, the audience originally subjected to Emerson's speech almost certainly would. This is quote is without doubt one of the most controversial throughout the entire address, and while it was very courageous of Emerson to attempt such a wide change of heart, it was also a tad foolish.