If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven played music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of excellence and striving for greatness in any occupation, no matter how seemingly humble or mundane. It encourages individuals to approach their work with passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, whether they are engaged in renowned artistic endeavors or in seemingly ordinary tasks like street sweeping. The quote suggests that greatness can be achieved by doing any job to the best of one's abilities and leaving a lasting impression that is held in high regard by both humans and celestial beings.