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.
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The law of nature is, do the thing, and you shall have the power: but they who do not the thing have not the power.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“He that is rich need not live sparingly, and he that can live sparingly, need not be rich.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“All would live long, but none would be old.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names.”
— Henry David Thoreau Primary source