The secret of the truly successful, I believe, is that they learned very early in life how not to be busy. They saw through that adage, repeated to me so often in childhood, that anything worth doing is worth doing well. The truth is, many things are worth doing only in the most slovenly, halfhearted fashion possible, and many other things are not worth doing at all.

Summary

In this quote, the author suggests that the key to real success lies in being selective with one's pursuits and not succumbing to the constant busyness that society often glorifies. They challenge the notion that everything worth doing must be done with great effort and instead highlight that some tasks are only worth doing with minimal effort, while others should be avoided altogether. By understanding this distinction and focusing on what truly matters, individuals can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life, ultimately achieving success on their own terms.

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