Amused Quote by Jane Smiley
“It once amused me that it took me three tries to pass my driver's test and that my driving instructor told my mother that I was the least talented person behind the wheel that she had ever taught.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author interview, 2010, The New York Times
The speaker reflects on early driving failures and a harsh assessment from an instructor, highlighting self‑doubt and perseverance.
In simple terms: Early failure and harsh feedback can motivate growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities.
Themes
self‑esteem
learning
perseverance
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
personal
motivational
When to use this quote
- driving lessons
- career setbacks
- personal development
Key Concepts
growth mindset
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you reframe negative feedback?
- What steps will you take to improve?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on criticism may ignore innate strengths.
![“[T]hey could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.” quote by Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/19e/neil-gaiman-29_amused_t-hey-could-not-help-being-amused-every_4551.jpg)
![“[The doctrine of air] I was led into in consequence of inhabiting a house adjoining to a public brewery, where I at first amused myself with making experiments on the fixed air [carbon dioxide] which I found ready made in the process of fermentation . When I removed from that house I was under the…” quote by Joseph Priestley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/42a/joseph-priestley-17782_air_the-doctrine-of-air-i-was-led-into-in-co_74416.jpg)
