Every industrious man, in every lawful calling, is a useful man. And one principal reason why men are so often useless is that they neglect their own profession or calling, and divide and shift their attention among a multiplicity of objects and pursuits.
Interpretation
Focusing on one's own profession leads to greater usefulness and success.
Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes the importance of dedication and focus in one's work. He argues that industrious individuals who commit to their lawful callings contribute meaningfully to society, while those who scatter their attention across too many interests often fail to achieve their potential and become less useful.
In practice
During a team meeting, you might share this quote to emphasize the importance of concentrating on assigned tasks.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
And indeed there will be time to wonder, 'Do I dare?', and 'Do I dare?
I believe that we have been doing this not primarily to achieve riches or even honour, but rather because we were interested in the work, enjoyed doing it and felt very strongly that it was worthwhile.
The conqueror is regarded with awe; the wise man commands our respect; but it is only the benevolent man that wins our affection.
To know a thing well, know it's limits; Only when pushed beyond it's tolerance will it's true nature be seen. -The Amtal Rule
Every now and then I will see a word as if for the first time, and suddenly appreciate that Evian is 'naive' spelled backward, or that Bosnia is an anagram of 'bonsai.'
For, he that expects nothing shall not be disappointed, but he that expects much - if he lives and uses that in hand day by day - shall be full to running over.
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