“Best use of money is to pay debts.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wealth (Primary source)
In Wealth, Emerson argues that true wealth is not merely material accumulation, but the ability to create and contribute. It stems from aligning oneself with natural laws and serving others, leading to a flourishing and abundant life beyond mere possessions.
“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“It was for beauty that the world was made.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops—no, but the kind of man the country turns out.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Industry pays debts, despair increases them.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Money and good manners make the gentleman.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Money is a tool to be put to work.”
— A.P. Møller Disputed“That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source