Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Each man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him. But a day comes when he begins to care that he does not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well - he has changed his market-cart into a chariot of the sun.
Summary
This quote highlights the transition from prioritizing self-interest to embodying a sense of mutual responsibility. Initially, individuals focus only on protecting themselves from being deceived by others. However, a transformative moment occurs when they develop a genuine concern for not deceiving their neighbors. This shift leads to a harmonious society, symbolized by the metaphor of someone elevating their ordinary market-cart into a majestic chariot of the sun. It suggests that when people move beyond self-centeredness and embrace a mindset of fairness and honesty towards others, they can experience personal growth and contribute positively to the world around them.