Ralph Waldo Emerson: Rich Heart
on Sunday, August 9, 2020Meaning of Ralph Waldo Emerson Money Quote: saying wealth of character shines, but with lack of healthy character, riches can become real ugly. Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
“Without a rich heart, wealth is an ugly beggar” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
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In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson seems to be suggesting that possessing wealth alone is meaningless or even undesirable without also having an inner richness of spirit and character. By stating that without a “rich heart,” wealth turns one into an “ugly beggar,” Emerson appears to be arguing that financial resources are unattractive and unbecoming if the individual is lacking in deeper qualities like compassion, wisdom, integrity and generosity.
The quote implies true riches originate from inner strength and depth of feeling, and that outer wealth rings hollow without an accompanying inner wealth of virtues and principles. Overall, Emerson conveys his view that money and possessions mean little and may even degrade one’s spirit if not paired with an internally “rich heart.”
Birthday: May 25, 1803 – Death: April 27, 1882