Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tobacco and opium have broad backs, and will cheerfully carry the load of armies, if you choose to make them pay high for such joy as they give and such harm as they do.

Tobacco and opium have broad backs, and will cheerfully carr

Summary

This quote suggests that tobacco and opium, despite the harm they can cause, have a strong and lucrative presence. The "broad backs" symbolize their ability to bear the burden of addiction and the consequences that come with it. By implying that these substances can carry the load of armies, the quote highlights the potential profits derived from their consumption. However, it also acknowledges the harmful effects they can have on individuals and society, emphasizing the importance of balancing the enjoyment they offer with the negative impacts they bring.

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By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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