Commodity 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 theft and meanness. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness. As soon as the man is at one with God, he will not beg.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Prayer should be a pure, selfless contemplation of life's truths, not a selfish request for personal gain.
In simple terms: Prayer is noble when selfless, selfish when greedy.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility and unity in spiritual practice.
Themes
spirituality
humility
selfishness
unity
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- community worship
- ethical decision making
- mindful living
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does one practice selfless prayer?
- What are the effects of selfish desire on spiritual growth?
A Different Perspective
Self‑focused prayer can reinforce ego and division.
