Hard things Quote by Abraham Verghese
““I chose the specialty of surgery because of Matron, that steady presence during my boyhood and adolescence. 'What is the hardest thing you can possibly do?' she said when I went to her for advice on the darkest day of the first half of my life. I squirmed. How easily Matron probed the gap between ambition and expediency. 'Why must I do what is hardest?' 'Because, Marion, you are an instrument of God. Don't leave the instrument sitting in its case my son. Play! Leave no part of your instrument unexplored. Why settle for 'Three Blind Mice' when you can play the 'Gloria'? 'But, Matron, I can't dream of playing Bach...I couldn't read music. 'No, Marion,' she said her gaze soft...'No, not Bach's 'Gloria'. Yours! Your 'Gloria' lives within you. The greatest sin is not finding it, ignoring what God made possible in you.””
About This Quote
Source Book: My Own Country by Abraham Verghese, 1994
A mentor urges embracing the hardest challenges, seeing them as divine purpose, urging one to explore full potential rather than settle for mediocrity.
In simple terms: Pursue difficult paths as a calling.
Key Takeaway
Answer the call, push beyond comfort.
Themes
purpose
challenge
faith
growth
Mood
determined
inspirational
Type
motivational
spiritual
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal development
- overcoming fear of failure
Key Concepts
calling
self‑actualization
spiritual duty
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your “instrument” represent?
- How can you find support when confronting daunting goals?
A Different Perspective
Even the hardest tasks may feel overwhelming without guidance and resources.
