Literary notes about Emolument (AI summary)
The term “emolument” has been used in literature to represent a range of rewards—from tangible financial benefits to more abstract merits of service or labor. In Confucian texts, for example, it signifies a secondary, often unworthy reward when proper duty and virtue are at stake ([1], [2], [3]), while Roman historical accounts emphasize the inextricable link between work and its reward, implying that effort always incurs expense ([4], [5]). In the realm of classic novels and essays, authors like Hawthorne and Jane Austen introduce the term in contexts that allude to fame or pecuniary gain as side effects of pursuits that are not primarily motivated by self-interest ([6], [7], [8]). Additionally, works such as Lewis Carroll’s and the writings of Mark Twain use “emolument” in playful or metaphorical ways, expanding its meaning beyond the merely financial to include literary or symbolic achievements ([9], [10]).
- The Master said, 'A minister, in serving his prince, reverently discharges his duties, and makes his emolument a secondary consideration.' CHAP.
— from The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics) by Confucius - So with learning;— emolument may be found in it.
— from The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics) by Confucius - When one gives few occasions for blame in his words, and few occasions for repentance in his conduct, he is in the way to get emolument.'
— from The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics) by Confucius - In no case is there either labour without emolument, nor emolument in general without the expense of labour.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - In no case is there either labour without emolument, nor emolument in general without the expense of labour.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
— from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - I am very much flattered by your commendation of my last letter, for I write only for fame, and without any view to pecuniary emolument.
— from The Letters of Jane Austen by Jane Austen - Added to which of course would be the pecuniary emolument by no means to be sneezed at, going hand in hand with his tuition fees.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - —He that writeth a piece with a friend, and the same claimeth the entire authorship thereof and emolument therefrom.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - CORNIFEROUS, rocks in which fossil corn is found. EMOLUMENT, a headstone to a grave.
— from What Is Man? and Other Essays by Mark Twain
