[blockwriter]

I would read philosophy on the subject of sublimation. There are many profound writings and writers that have explored the idea. Nietzsche is one, Emerson another. I expect you will discover an agon that challenges your present value system, and this will become curiously interesting. Lead a hidden life with a private good in mind that runs in parallel to the life that is expected of you. But perhaps you are already well versed in these matters.

[throwaway127890]

Definitely not well-versed in this. Reading the Wikipedia article now, but if you have specific references you'd recommend, I'll check them out. Thank you!

[blockwriter]

This might do. Keep in mind that, although Emerson was religious, it is not at all a prerequisite for the reader of Emerson to believe as Emerson believed.

"There is a third silent party to all our bargains. The nature and soul of things takes on itself the guaranty of the fulfilment of every contract, so that honest service cannot come to loss. If you serve an ungrateful master, serve him the more. Put God in your debt. Every stroke shall be repaid. The longer the payment is withholden, the better for you; for compound interest on compound interest is the rate and usage of this exchequer."

from https://emersoncentral.com/texts/essays-first-series/compens...