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Ability Quote by William Matthews

“A great deal of the joy of life consists in doing perfectly, or at least to the best of one's ability, everything which one attempts to do. There is a sense of satisfaction, a pride in surveying such a work, a work which is rounded, full, exact, complete in all its parts-which the superficial man…” quote by William Matthews
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“A great deal of the joy of life consists in doing perfectly, or at least to the best of one's ability, everything which one attempts to do. There is a sense of satisfaction, a pride in surveying such a work, a work which is rounded, full, exact, complete in all its parts-which the superficial man, who leaves his work in a slovenly, slipshod, half-finished condition can never know. It is this conscientious completeness which turns work into art. The smallest thing, well done, becomes artistic.”

William Matthews

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Work, William Matthews, 1998

Doing work with meticulous care transforms ordinary tasks into art, fostering pride and fulfillment.

In simple terms: Careful effort makes work artistic.

Key Takeaway

Strive for excellence in every task.

Themes

excellence craftsmanship pride fulfillment artistry

Mood

motivational thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • professional projects
  • handmade crafts
  • writing
  • teaching
  • home repairs

Key Concepts

work ethic aesthetics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does striving for perfection hinder progress?
  • How can you balance quality with practicality?
A Different Perspective

Perfectionism can cause stress or burnout.

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