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Three bricklayers are asked: “What are you doing?” The…

“Three bricklayers are asked: “What are you doing?” The first says, “I am laying bricks.” The second says, “I am building a church.” And the third says, “I am building the house of God.” The first bricklayer has a job. The second has a career. The third has a calling.” quote by Angela Duckworth
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““Three bricklayers are asked: “What are you doing?” The first says, “I am laying bricks.” The second says, “I am building a church.” And the third says, “I am building the house of God.” The first bricklayer has a job. The second has a career. The third has a calling.””

Angela Duckworth

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The story contrasts three perspectives on work: a job as a task, a career as a purpose, and a calling as a spiritual mission, highlighting how meaning transforms effort.

In simple terms: Seeing work as a calling adds deeper purpose.

Key Takeaway

Seek purpose beyond tasks.

Themes

meaning purpose work spirituality motivation

Mood

inspired reflective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • career planning
  • volunteering
  • entrepreneurship

Key Concepts

identity calling career development

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would change if you viewed your work as a calling?
  • How can you find purpose in routine tasks?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone can align work with spiritual calling; practical constraints exist.

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