He felt with the force of a revelation that to throw up the clods of earth manfully is as beneficent as to revolutionize the world. It was not the matter of the work, but the mind that went into it, that counted -- and the man who was not content to do small things well would leave great things undone.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of finding value in even the simplest of tasks. The realization is described as a revelation, indicating a profound understanding that engaging wholeheartedly in any task, regardless of its scale or significance, can have a positive impact. It highlights the significance of one's mindset and approach towards work, suggesting that someone who neglects small tasks because they desire grand achievements may end up leaving those grand achievements unfinished. Thus, the quote promotes the idea that true fulfillment comes from dedicating oneself to doing even the most menial tasks well.

Topics