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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life is short, so focus on your goals instead of wasting energy on negativity and conflict.
In plain terms
Don't waste time on negativity; pursue your goals.
What can you take from it?
Focus on your aims, not complaints.

Where it applies

  • overcoming procrastination
  • dealing with critics
  • planning life

Putting it to work

  • set goals
  • avoid drama
  • focus forward

Questions to consider

  • What is wasting time?
  • Why avoid criticism?

Another view

It dismisses valid concerns and criticism as mere cynicism.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

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  2. For there's no rood has not a star above it; The cordial quality of pear or plum Ascends as gladly in a single tree, As in broad orchards resonant with bees; A…

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  3. Announced by all the trumpets of the sky Arrives the snow, and, driving o'er the fields, Seems nowhere to alight: the whited air Hides hills and woods, the riv…

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