“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 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 source“The years teach much which the days never know.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Life is our dictionary.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Disputed“A life of leisure, and a life of laziness, are two things.”
— 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