Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "you can have joy or you can have power, but you can't have both." This transcendentalist quote may seem inherently simple, but it can become quite profound in its explanation. I felt the best place to begin interpreting Emerson's words would be the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Power was defined as “the possession of control, authority, or influence over others,” while joy was defined as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” My initial literal interpretations lead me to disagree with the quote. I thought that “having what you want” might agree with “having control, authority, or influence over others.” I began to think that it couldn't be that simple, and that there must be much more on both sides if Emerson was willing to say so. The following paragraphs are my reasons, opinions, and guesses as to what I believe the quote might mean. The first example that came to mind was how I have much more control and influence over my world than before. Does that mean I'm powerful? I'm usually pretty passive, so I hope not, but I've been thinking about how I can drive, hunt big game, and almost buy cigarettes. It seems to me that my ability to influence the world around me correlates with the amount of responsibility I have. Now I have a job and have to worry about car insurance, buying gas, and driving safely. I think I would be happier without a job and without the various “holes” in my wallet, and I wonder if my brother, who is four years younger than me, is happier. He can come home after school and watch TV, he can sleep in on weekends and play video games while I'm at work; yes... middle of the card... a group, especially when it allows me to establish closer and more meaningful relationships. It can also be said that some people thrive on organizing and supervising other people. It is possible that some find joy in their power. These people usually make busy life a part of their routine and probably enjoy having responsibilities. Yes, they have more to worry about, but looking back at the end of each day they can see what there is to be happy about and the change they have created. Emerson knew what he was saying. No questions asked. There are always exceptions to rules and quotes like yours, but that in no way diminishes their importance. I'm pretty sure I know what he was trying to say, but I get confused when I start looking at it from different perspectives. Overthinking may be exactly the thing Emerson wanted to stir in our minds.
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