It took me two years to walk around a chair with ease; it took me another two years to learn how to laugh onstage - and I had to learn everything.
Laurence OlivierRead
I'd like people to remember me for a diligent expert workman. I think a poet is a workman. I think Shakespeare was a workman. And God's a workman. I don't think there's anything better than a workman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of hard work and craftsmanship in artistry.
Laurence Olivier's quote reflects the deep respect he holds for the dedication and labor that goes into being an artist, comparing poets and playwrights like Shakespeare to skilled laborers. It suggests that true artistry is rooted in diligent work, and that the act of creation, much like any craft, requires a strong commitment and expertise, highlighting the nobility of the workman's role in society.
Themes
WorkmanArtistryDiligenceCraftsmanshipExpertise
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on artistry and dedication, one could quote Olivier to emphasize the importance of hard work in creative fields.
More from Laurence Olivier
All quotes →What is the main problem of the actor? It is to keep the audience awake, and not let them go to sleep, then wake up and go home feeling they've wasted their money.
Laurence OlivierRead
Work is life for me, it is the only point of life - and with it there is almost religious belief that service is everything.
Laurence OlivierRead
I don't know what is better than the work that is given to the actor - to teach the human heart the knowledge of itself.
Laurence OlivierRead
Acting is an everlasting search for truth.
Laurence OlivierRead
Nine books have been written about me, and there's not a word of truth in any of them.
Laurence OlivierRead
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