You must be sure of two things: you must love your work…
““You must be sure of two things: you must love your work, and not be always looking over the edge of it, wanting your play to begin. And the other is, you must not be ashamed of your work, and think it would be more honorable to you to be doing something else. You must have a pride in your own work and in learning to do it well, and not be always saying, There's this and there's that—if I had this or that to do, I might make something of it. No matter what a man is—I wouldn't give twopence for him"— here Caleb's mouth looked bitter, and he snapped his fingers— "whether he was the prime minister or the rick-thatcher, if he didn't do well what he undertook to do.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Emphasizes pride in one's work, avoiding shame, and focusing on doing one's best rather than fantasizing about alternatives.
In simple terms: Encourages dedication and pride in one's labor.
Key Takeaway
Take pride in your work.
Themes
work ethic
pride
self‑respect
focus
humility
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- skill mastery
- personal reflection
- mentorship
Key Concepts
personal development
professional integrity
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one balance ambition with contentment?
- What supports sustain pride in challenging work?
A Different Perspective
May ignore systemic obstacles that limit fulfillment.