Asking Quote by James Russell Lowell
“Earth gets its price for what Earth gives us; The beggar is taxed for a corner to die in, The priest hath his fee who comes and shrives us, We bargain for the graves we lie in; Each ounce of dross costs its ounce of gold... 'T is heaven alone that is given away, 'T is only God may be had for the asking; There is no price set on the lavish summer, And June may be had by the poorest comer.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Price of Earth” (1840)
The poem reflects on the inevitable costs of existence and the paradox of wealth and poverty.
In simple terms: Life has costs, both material and spiritual.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of what you have.
Themes
economics
spirituality
inequality
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- daily budgeting
- charitable giving
- ethical consumption
Key Concepts
philosophy
poetry
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “price” mean to you?
- How can we balance generosity and self‑care?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex social systems.
![“[B]ut in literature, it should be remembered, a thing always becomes his at last who says it best, and thus makes it his own.” quote by James Russell Lowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fa/james-russell-lowell-561_books_b-ut-in-literature-it-should-be-remember_55085.jpg)
