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Nothing is done. Everything in the world remains to be…

“Nothing is done. Everything in the world remains to be done or done over. The greatest picture is not yet painted, the greatest play isn't written, the greatest poem is unsung. There isn't in all the world a perfect railroad, nor a good government, nor a sound law. Physics, mathematics, and…” quote by Lincoln Steffens
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“Nothing is done. Everything in the world remains to be done or done over. The greatest picture is not yet painted, the greatest play isn't written, the greatest poem is unsung. There isn't in all the world a perfect railroad, nor a good government, nor a sound law. Physics, mathematics, and especially the most advanced and exact of the sciences are being fundamentally revised. . . Psychology, economics, and sociology are awaiting a Darwin, whose work in turn is awaiting an Einstein.”

Lincoln Steffens

About This Quote

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

Human endeavors are perpetually unfinished; progress is a continuous cycle of revision and aspiration.

In simple terms: Nothing is ever truly finished.

Key Takeaway

Accept that work is ongoing.

Themes

progress imperfection optimism

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • art
  • science
  • policy
  • education

Key Concepts

philosophy science history

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can you improve today?
  • How do you balance ambition with acceptance?
A Different Perspective

Perfection is unattainable; endless revision can stall action.

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