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With all humility, I think, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth…

“With all humility, I think, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Infinitely more important than the vain attempt to love one's neighbor as one's self. If you want to hit a bird on the wing you must have all your will in focus, you must not be thinking about yourself, and…” quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr
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“With all humility, I think, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Infinitely more important than the vain attempt to love one's neighbor as one's self. If you want to hit a bird on the wing you must have all your will in focus, you must not be thinking about yourself, and equally, you must not be thinking about your neighbor; you must be living with your eye on that bird. Every achievement is a bird on the wing.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr

About This Quote

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

The quote stresses focusing all effort on a task, avoiding self‑absorption and concern for others, to achieve excellence.

In simple terms: Give your full effort to the task at hand.

Key Takeaway

Concentrate fully on your work.

Themes

focus effort excellence

Mood

determined serious

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • sports competition
  • academic projects
  • artistic creation
  • entrepreneurial ventures

Key Concepts

self‑discipline goal orientation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance focus with teamwork?
  • What tasks deserve your full might?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting collaboration can limit growth.

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