Poetry Quote by Gustave Flaubert
““When one does something, one must do it wholly and well. Those bastard existences where you sell suet all day and write poetry at night are made for mediocre minds – like those horses that are equally good for saddle and carriage, the worst kind, that can neither jump a ditch nor pull a plow.””
About This Quote
True dedication requires full commitment; half‑hearted pursuits betray mediocrity.
In simple terms: Commit fully or be mediocre.
Key Takeaway
Half‑heartedness yields mediocrity.
Themes
dedication
integrity
mediocrity
focus
excellence
Mood
serious
critical
determined
Type
aphorism
advice
When to use this quote
- artist juggling day job and night poetry
- entrepreneur splitting time between sales and creative writing
- student balancing coursework and hobby
- professional maintaining two unrelated roles
Key Concepts
full commitment
dual pursuits
quality vs quantity
Practical Applications
- career counseling on focus
- self‑assessment for work‑life balance
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to give something your whole effort?
- How can one identify when a dual role dilutes quality?
