Skip to content

The right merchant is one who has the just average of…

“The right merchant is one who has the just average of faculties we call common sense; a man of a strong affinity for facts, who makes up his decision on what he has seen. He is thoroughly persuaded of the truths of arithmetic. There is always a reason, in the man, for his good or bad fortune in…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Download Open image
“The right merchant is one who has the just average of faculties we call common sense; a man of a strong affinity for facts, who makes up his decision on what he has seen. He is thoroughly persuaded of the truths of arithmetic. There is always a reason, in the man, for his good or bad fortune in making money. Men talk as if there were some magic about this. He knows that all goes on the old road, pound for pound, cent for cent - for every effect a perfect cause - and that good luck is another name for tenacity of purpose.”

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 good merchant relies on common sense, facts, and persistence, not magic.

In simple terms: Successful merchants use sense, facts, and persistence.

Key Takeaway

Focus on facts and persistence.

Themes

business common sense perseverance

Mood

analytical motivational

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • selling
  • investing
  • career planning

Key Concepts

economics decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • What role does luck play in success?
  • How can one balance persistence with adaptability?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on luck can ignore external factors.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Explore all 4,802 Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes

More Affinity quotes

Browse all 259 Affinity quotes