Able Quote by Cormac McCarthy
“But this man had set down with a hammer and chisel and carved out a stone water trough to last ten thousand years. Why was that? What was it that he had faith in? It wasn't that nothin' would change. Which is what you might think, I suppose. He had to know better'n that. I've thought about it a good deal. . . And I have to say that the only thing I can think is that there was some sort of promise in his heart. And I don't have no intentions of carvin' a stone water trough. But I would like to be able to make that kind of promise. I think that's what I would like most of all.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Road, Cormac McCarthy, 2006
A man builds a lasting water trough, driven by deep belief and promise, not fear of change.
In simple terms: He creates lasting work from faith, not certainty.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate enduring purpose.
Themes
faith
legacy
purpose
determination
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal projects
- long‑term planning
- community building
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
existentialism
humanism
commitment
Questions to Reflect On
- What promise fuels your lasting work?
- How do you balance faith and practicality?
A Different Perspective
Such devotion may ignore practical constraints.
