When you ran that roof race with me you started with one…
““When you ran that roof race with me you started with one stocking marked, a loose row of bullion on your hoqueton, and your hair needing a cut. Your manners, social and personal, derive directly from the bakehouse; your living quarters, any time I have seen them, have been untidy and ill-cleaned. In the swordplay just now you cut consistently to the left, a habit so remarkable that you must have been warned time and again; and you cannot parry a coup de Jarnac. I tried you with the same feint for it three times tonight… These are professional matters, Robin. To succeed as you want, you have to be precise; you have to have polish; you have to carry polish and precision in everything you do. You have no time to sigh over seigneuries and begrudge other people their gifts. Lack of genius never held anyone back,' said Lymond. 'Only time wasted on resentment and daydreaming can do that. You never did work with your whole brain and your whole body at being an Archer; and you ended neither soldier nor seigneur, but a dried-out huddle of grudges strung cheek to cheek on a withy.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Precision, polish, and full‑mind effort are essential for success; resentment and daydreaming waste time and hinder achievement.
In simple terms: Focus fully, avoid resentment, work with whole mind and body.
Key Takeaway
Give your best, stay disciplined.
Themes
discipline
precision
self‑improvement
Mood
determined
serious
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- archery training
- military leadership
- career advancement
- personal growth
Key Concepts
personal development
mindset
skill mastery
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate emotional balance with technical skill?
- What habits help maintain both polish and passion?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting emotional health can undermine precision.