If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep…
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even humble work should be performed with artistic excellence, elevating the ordinary to greatness.
In simple terms: Do any work with excellence.
Strive for mastery in all tasks.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- daily chores
- professional duties
- volunteering
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor ordinary labor?
- What does excellence look like in your role?
Societal values may undervalue such work.