People Quote by Laurence Olivier
“I'd like people to remember me for a diligent expert workman. I think a poet is a workman. I think Shakespeare was a workman. And God's a workman. I don't think there's anything better than a workman.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Acceptance speech, 1995
He values diligent, hands‑on work and sees poetry and craftsmanship as equivalent, elevating the workman.
In simple terms: He respects hard work and sees poets as craftsmen.
Key Takeaway
Honor dedication in any field.
Themes
work
craftsmanship
poetry
humility
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
career
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career development
- creative pursuits
- skill mastery
- team leadership
Key Concepts
labor theory
artistic value
humble pride
Questions to Reflect On
- What does being a workman mean to you?
- How can you balance craft with creativity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on labor may undervalue intellectual contributions.
![“[in 1979] You must have - besides intuition and sensitivity - a cutting edge that allows you to reach what you need. Also, you have to know life - bastards included - and it takes a bit of one to know one, don't you think?” quote by Laurence Olivier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/11d/laurence-olivier-11163_cutting_in-1979-you-must-have-besides-intuition_331373.jpg)
![“[on whether he harbored any resentment at his forced retirement from the stage after he was fired by Britain's National Theater] I should be soaring away with my head tilted slightly toward the gods, feeding on the caviar of Shakespeare... An actor must act.” quote by Laurence Olivier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/756/laurence-olivier-11163_actors_on-whether-he-harbored-any-resentment-at_368719.jpg)
