Attention Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Every industrious man, in every lawful calling, is a useful man. And one principal reason why men are so often useless is that they neglect their own profession or calling, and divide and shift their attention among a multiplicity of objects and pursuits.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Being productive in one’s true vocation makes a person valuable; spreading effort across many tasks leads to ineffectiveness.
In simple terms: Focus on your true calling to be useful.
Key Takeaway
Specialize, avoid scattered pursuits.
Themes
productivity
focus
purpose
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- skill development
- entrepreneurship
- academic study
Key Concepts
vocational identity
specialization
self‑worth
Questions to Reflect On
- What core skill are you neglecting?
- How can you consolidate your efforts?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting core strengths can still cause harm.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
