“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
New England Reformers (Primary source)
In New England Reformers, Emerson critiques the myriad social movements of his time. He argues that genuine, lasting reform must stem from an individual’s inner spiritual and moral transformation, rather than external, superficial changes or collective efforts.
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“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 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.”
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“Well done is twice done.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“He who does not punish evil commands it to be done.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source“The thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn.”
— Ayn Rand Primary source“For it matters not how small the beginning may seem to be: what is once well done is done for ever.”
— Henry David Thoreau Primary source