I watched them tearing a building down, A gang of men in a…
““I watched them tearing a building down, A gang of men in a busy town. With a ho-heave-ho and a lusty yell, They swung a beam, and the side wall fell. I asked the foreman: "Are these skilled-- And the men you'd hire if you had to build?" He gave me a laugh and said: "No, indeed! Just common labor is all I need. I can wreck in a day or two What builders have taken a year to do." And I thought to myself as I went my way, Which of these roles have I tried to play? Am I a builder who works with care Measuring life by a rule and square? Am I shaping my deeds to a well made Plan, Patiently doing the best I can? Or am I a wrecker, who walks the town Content with the labor of tearing down?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem contrasts careful builders with reckless wreckers, urging reflection on whether we construct or destroy in life.
In simple terms: Consider if you are building or tearing down.
Key Takeaway
Choose to build thoughtfully rather than destroy.
Themes
construction
destruction
self‑reflection
purpose
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Career choices
- personal projects
- community service
- creative endeavors
Key Concepts
Intentionality
work ethic
life design
Questions to Reflect On
- What part of your work feels like building?
- When is tearing down necessary?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex roles and ignore necessary disruption for progress.