Man exists for his own sake and not to add a laborer to the state.
Meaning
Emerson wrote this in his journal in 1839, rejecting the idea that a person's worth is only their usefulness to society. Your life has value apart from output. If you feel guilty resting, schedule time that serves no purpose except your own enjoyment and keep it.
Source: Journal entry (15 November 1839)
About the author
(1803–1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and philosopher who led the transcendentalist movement. His essays, including "Self-Reliance," emphasize individuality, nature, and spiritual independence. Emerson’s ideas influenced literature, philosophy, and social reform. He encouraged people to trust their instincts and seek truth within themselves. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s legacy continues to inspire personal growth and intellectual exploration.
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