Compensation (Primary source)
Emerson explores the law of compensation, suggesting that every action (cause) has a corresponding reaction (effect), meaning that there is no free lunch, but we get what we give.
“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 life of leisure, and a life of laziness, are two things.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“A fine genius in his own country, is like gold in the mine.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourcePresident Power Politics Cause and Effect