In his essay Compensation," Emerson argues that every misfortune we experience has its corresponding benefit. He calls this the law of compensation. Emerson believes that this law is inherent in the universe and is what keeps us balanced. He gives the example of a person who is blind in one eye. This person's other eye becomes stronger as a result. Emerson also believes that this law applies to our financial situation. If we are tight on money, we will be compensated with a windfall at some point. This law is also at work in our relationships. If we have a bad experience with one person, we will be compensated with a good experience with another."