MY WAGE By J. B. Rittenhouse I bargained with Life for a…
““MY WAGE By J. B. Rittenhouse I bargained with Life for a penny, And Life would pay no more, However I begged at evening When I counted my scanty store. For Life is a just employer, He gives you what you ask, But once you have set the wages, Why, you must bear the task. I worked for a menials hire, Only to learn, dismayed, That any wage I had asked of Life, Life would have willingly paid.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem likens life to a job where the wages you set determine the tasks you must endure; fairness is tied to expectations.
In simple terms: Life gives you what you ask for, but you must handle the consequences.
Key Takeaway
Set realistic expectations and accept responsibility.
Themes
work
fairness
personal responsibility
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- financial budgeting
- personal goal setting
- relationship negotiations
Key Concepts
expectation theory
cause and effect
self‑determination
Questions to Reflect On
- What wages have you set for yourself?
- How do you balance ambition with realistic outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Over‑optimistic expectations can lead to disappointment.