hitch one's wagon to a star

Coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay "Civilization" (1870).

• "[Emerson] was not afraid to be homely and racy in expressing thought of the highest spirituality. "Hitch your wagon to a star" is a good instance of his favorite manner."
• "Well, he was done, he solaced himself. He had hitched his wagon to a star and been landed in a pestiferous marsh."
• "So if you've had enough of life as an employee and you're planning to set up your own home-based business, do the sensible thing and hitch your wagon to the fastest rising star today — the Internet."
• "Pick a star, or hero, or whatever product/service/idea you are presenting, and hitch your wagon to it."