Facts of life Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
““Prayer that craves a particular commodity, -- anything less than all good, -- is vicious. Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view. It is the soliloquy of a beholding and jubilant soul. It is the spirit of God pronouncing his works good. But prayer as a means to effect a private end is meanness and theft. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness. As soon as the man is at one with God, he will not beg. He will then see prayer in all action. The prayer of the farmer kneeling in his field to weed it, the prayer of the rower kneeling with the stroke of his oar, are true prayers heard throughout nature, though for cheap ends.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Nature, 1836
True prayer aligns with universal good, not selfish desire; it becomes integrated with all purposeful action.
In simple terms: Prayer should be selfless.
Key Takeaway
Seek unity with nature.
Themes
spirituality
ethics
unity
purpose
Mood
inspirational
contemplative
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- gardening
- physical labor
- creative work
Key Concepts
selfless prayer
nature as teacher
inner harmony
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions feel like prayer to you?
- How can you serve others without expectation?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can masquerade as prayer.
