Appearance Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Let the realist not mind appearances. Let him delegate to others the costly courtesies and decorations of social life. The virtuesare economists, but some of the vices are also. Thus, next to humility, I have noticed that pride is a pretty good husband. A good pride is, as I reckon it, worth from five hundred to fifteen hundred a year.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self‑Reliance, 1841
The realist ignores superficial appearances, delegating social niceties, while recognizing that pride, like humility, can be valuable and profitable.
In simple terms: Realists skip appearances, see pride as useful.
Key Takeaway
Balance humility with healthy pride.
Themes
pride
humility
realism
social economics
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- networking
- career advancement
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
cost‑benefit of social behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- When does pride become harmful?
- How can you keep pride constructive?
A Different Perspective
Pride can become arrogance if unchecked.
