Skip to content

It is commonly said by farmers, that a good pear or apple…

“It is commonly said by farmers, that a good pear or apple costs no more time or pains to rear, than a poor one; so I would have no work of art, no speech, or action, or thought, or friend, but the best.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Download Open image
“It is commonly said by farmers, that a good pear or apple costs no more time or pains to rear, than a poor one; so I would have no work of art, no speech, or action, or thought, or friend, but the best.”

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.

True excellence requires effort proportional to its value; the best things demand the same work as lesser ones.

In simple terms: Great work needs effort like anything else.

Key Takeaway

Invest effort for the best outcome.

Themes

effort value excellence

Mood

determined reflective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • art creation
  • public speaking
  • personal relationships
  • skill development

Key Concepts

self-reliance quality trade-offs

Questions to Reflect On

  • What areas are you willing to invest effort for the best?
  • How do you balance effort with desired outcome?
A Different Perspective

Even the best still needs dedication; shortcuts reduce quality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Explore all 4,802 Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes

More Action quotes

Browse all 14,940 Action quotes