“In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Prudence (Primary source)
In Prudence, Emerson redefines prudence not as cautious self-interest, but as the practical application of moral and spiritual laws to daily life. It’s about living wisely and effectively by aligning one’s actions with universal truths, ensuring genuine and lasting success.
“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 →
“Do not do that which you would not have known.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“He that can have patience can have what he will.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“To be great is to be misunderstood.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Approve not of him that commends all you say.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source