Last night I thought about all that kerosene I've used in…
““Last night I thought about all that kerosene I've used in the past ten years. And I thought about books. And for the first time I realized that a man was behind each one of the books. A man had to think them up. A man had to take a long time to put them down on paper. And I'd never even thought that thought before." He got out of bed. "It took some man a lifetime maybe to put some of his thoughts down, looking around at the world and life and then I come along in two minutes and boom! it's all over." "Let me alone," said Mildred. "I didn't do anything." "Let you alone! That's all very well, but how can I leave myself alone? We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while. How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, about something real?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We often overlook the effort behind creations, assuming they appear instantly, forgetting the time and thought required.
In simple terms: We forget creators' hard work.
Key Takeaway
Recognize effort behind works.
Themes
appreciation
creativity
reflection
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
literary.
When to use this quote
- reading
- writing
- art criticism
- education
- media consumption
Key Concepts
authorship
time
human effort
Questions to Reflect On
- How often do you consider the creator's process?
- What changes when you value effort?
A Different Perspective
Instant gratification can diminish respect for labor.