It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.
Interpretation
Doing a task correctly is simpler than justifying mistakes.
This quote by Martin Van Buren emphasizes the importance of diligence and competence in any task. It suggests that taking the time to do a job properly will often save one from the complications and difficulties of explaining any failures or shortcomings that arise from negligence or poor execution.
In practice
In a team meeting discussing project deadlines, you might say this quote to encourage thorough work.
To avoid the necessity of a permanent debt and its inevitable consequences, I have advocated and endeavored to carry into effect the policy of confining the appropriations for the public service to such objects only as are clearly with the constitutional authority of the Federal Government.
In time of peace there can, at all events, be no justification for the creation of a permanent debt by the Federal Government. Its limited range of constitutional duties may certainly under such circumstances be performed without such a resort.
The less government interferes with private pursuits, the better for general prosperity.
Those who have wrought great changes in the world never succeeded by gaining over chiefs; but always by exciting the multitude. The first is the resource of intrigue and produces only secondary results, the second is the resort of genius and transforms the universe.
I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men, whose superiors it is our happiness to believe are not found on the executive calendar of any country.
The government should not be guided by Temporary Excitement, but by Sober Second Thought.
What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?
Live one day at a time emphasizing ethics rather than rules.
Fantasy is an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not take you anywhere, but it tones up the muscles that can. Of course, I could be wrong.
Some people go to bed at night thinking, 'That was a good day.' I am one of those who worries and asks, 'How did I screw up today?'
Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.
Also, it's good to have more than one profession, in case your own profession goes out of style. A Wall Street trader who's also a belly dancer will do a lot better than a trader who winds up driving a taxi.
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