Themes · 1844
The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson · Essays: Second Series, New England Reformers
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Doing something well is its own payoff. The satisfaction lies in the accomplishment itself, not in praise, payment or recognition afterwards. The line invites valuing good work for what it is rather than for anything it earns.
Context reviewed