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Genial manners are good, and power of accommodation to any…

“Genial manners are good, and power of accommodation to any circumstance, but the high prize of life, the crowning fortune of a man is to be born with a bias to some pursuit, which finds him in employment and happiness, -- whether it be to make baskets, or broadswords, or canals, or statutes, or…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“Genial manners are good, and power of accommodation to any circumstance, but the high prize of life, the crowning fortune of a man is to be born with a bias to some pursuit, which finds him in employment and happiness, -- whether it be to make baskets, or broadswords, or canals, or statutes, or songs. I doubt not this was the meaning of Socrates, when he pronounced artists the only truly wise, as being actually, not apparently so.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A person’s greatest fulfillment comes from a natural talent or passion that aligns with their work, leading to happiness and purpose.

In simple terms: Finding a natural talent brings joy and purpose.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate your innate passion.

Themes

purpose work fulfillment talent happiness

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career choice
  • artistic pursuits
  • craftsmanship
  • public service
  • entrepreneurship

Key Concepts

self-actualization intrinsic motivation vocational calling

Questions to Reflect On

  • What innate talent could you develop into a vocation?
  • How does society value different pursuits?
A Different Perspective

Talent alone isn’t enough; external circumstances may limit opportunities.

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