“Life wastes itself while we are preparing to live.”
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 →
“A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Life is our dictionary.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”
— Amelia Earhart Disputed“Would you live with ease, do what you ought, and not what you please.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source