Quote by Thomas Merton
Do not depend on the hope of results. You may have to face the fact that your work will be apparently worthless and even achieve no result at all, if not perhaps results opposite to what you expect. As you get used to this idea, you start more and more to concentrate not on the results, but on the value, the rightness, the truth of the work itself. You gradually struggle less and less for an idea and more and more for specific people. In the end, it is the reality of personal relationship that saves everything.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on the intrinsic value and the truth of our work rather than solely seeking external outcomes or results. It advises against depending solely on the hope of achieving desired results, as there may be moments when our efforts seem futile or counterproductive. However, as we embrace this realization, we shift our focus towards the genuine worth and righteousness of our work. Ultimately, what truly matters is the impact we have on the lives of individuals and the personal relationships we build along the way, which hold the power to make our work meaningful and ultimately save it from being deemed worthless.