Able Quote by Francis Bacon
“I'm working for myself; what else have I got to work for? How can you work for an audience? What do you imagine an audience would want? I have got nobody to excite except myself, so I am always surprised if anyone likes my work sometimes. I suppose I'm very lucky, of course, to be able to earn my living by something that really absorbs me to try to do, if that is what you call luck.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on personal motivation, 1625
The author questions who motivates him, concluding that self‑driven purpose is his only audience, and feels fortunate to earn a living from his passion.
In simple terms: Work for yourself, not others.
Key Takeaway
Find purpose in personal passion.
Themes
self‑motivation
purpose
gratitude
Mood
introspective
philosophical
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career choice
- creative projects
- self‑reflection
- financial independence
Key Concepts
existential purpose
intrinsic reward
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives you beyond external approval?
- How do you measure success personally?
A Different Perspective
Risk of isolation from external feedback.
