Apples Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“When I have attempted to join myself to others by services, it proved an intellectual trick,-no more. They eat your service like apples, and leave you out. But love them, and they feel you, and delight in you all the time.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Attempting to merge with others through service can feel manipulative; genuine love invites mutual feeling and lasting delight.
In simple terms: Service can feel like a trick; love creates true connection.
Seek authentic love, not transactional service.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- friendship
- romantic partnership
- teamwork
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value love over service?
- How can you balance giving and receiving?
Love alone may not sustain relationships without effort.