The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Give us, O give us the man who sings at his work! Be his occupation what it may, he is equal to any of those who follow the same pursuit in silent sullenness. He will do more in the same time . . . he will do it better . . . he will persevere longer. One is scarcely sensible to fatigue while he marches to music. The very stars are said to make harmony as they revolve in their spheres.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of passion and joy in one's work, suggesting that those who enjoy what they do perform better and with more resilience.
Thomas Carlyle's quote advocates for the power of enthusiasm and joy in one's labor. He suggests that individuals who find happiness in their work are not only more productive but also more resilient to fatigue. By comparing such a worker to others who perform their tasks in a dull and uninspired fashion, Carlyle highlights that joy can transform the experience of work into something more meaningful and harmonious, akin to music in relation to the stars' movements. This implies that embracing passion in our endeavors allows us to excel and persevere, making even the most challenging tasks feel lighter and more enjoyable.
Themes
WorkEnthusiasmPassionProductivityResilience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be referenced in a motivational speech to inspire employees to find joy in their jobs.
More from Thomas Carlyle
All quotes →Thirty millions, mostly fools.
Thomas CarlyleRead
There is a great discovery still to be made in literature, that of paying literary men by the quantity they do not write.
Thomas CarlyleRead
For the superior morality, of which we hear so much, we too would desire to be thankful: at the same time, it were but blindness to deny that this superior morality is properly rather an inferior criminality, produced not by greater love of Virtue, but by greater perfection of Police; and of that far subtler and stronger Police, called Public Opinion.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Enjoying things which are pleasant; that is not the evil; it is the reducing of our moral self to slavery by them that is.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Clean undeniable right, clear undeniable might: either of these once ascertained puts an end to battle. All battle is a confused experiment to ascertain one and both of these.
Thomas CarlyleRead
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