Being honest Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Work and thou canst escape the reward; whether the work be fine or course, planting corn or writing epics, so only it be honest work, done to thine own approbation, it shall earn a reward to the senses as well as to the thought.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Honest work, regardless of its nature, brings reward both to the senses and the mind when done for personal approval.
In simple terms: Honest work rewards mind and body.
Key Takeaway
Do honest work for yourself.
Themes
work
integrity
reward
Mood
motivational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- career
- artistic projects
- personal development
- skill learning
Key Concepts
self-reliance
intrinsic motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- What work feels most honest to you?
- How do you measure personal approval?
A Different Perspective
May ignore external constraints or exploitation.
![“The opening for solid waste is very small [in the space ship]. It's not toilet-bowl size. And aim is critical. To be honest with you, you don't know where your asshole is pointing within a small circumference.” quote by Mike Mullane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07d/mike-mullane-40841_aim_the-opening-for-solid-waste-is-very-smal_27379.jpg)