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...your father is in town trying the telegraph office…

“...your father is in town trying the telegraph office, though I assured him that'll be as profitable as trying to pick feathers out of molasses.” quote by Anthony Doerr
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““...your father is in town trying the telegraph office, though I assured him that'll be as profitable as trying to pick feathers out of molasses.””

Anthony Doerr

About This Quote

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

A sarcastic remark about a futile, unprofitable endeavor, comparing it to an absurd task.

In simple terms: A pointless job is as useless as picking feathers from molasses.

Key Takeaway

Avoid wasting time on fruitless pursuits.

Themes

sarcasm work effort

Mood

wry reflective

Type

aphilosophical humorous

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • personal projects
  • financial investments
  • daily chores

Key Concepts

futility absurdity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What tasks seem pointless but could be reframed?
  • How do you assess the true value of effort?
A Different Perspective

Even small tasks can have hidden value if approached creatively.

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