“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.
“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 source“The years teach much which the days never know.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“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 sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Would you live with ease, do what you ought, and not what you please.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“A life which does not go into action is a failure.”
— Arnold J. Toynbee 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