I have never thought of myself as a good writer. Anyone who wants reassurance of that should read one of my first drafts. But I'm one of the world's great rewriters.
James A. MichenerRead
Whatever I did, there was always someone around who was better qualified. They just didn't bother to do it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the idea that often others are more qualified, yet do not take action.
James A. Michener's quote reflects the common observation that in any field, there are always individuals who possess greater qualifications and capabilities, yet they may choose not to engage in certain tasks or responsibilities. This suggests that action and initiative are as important, if not more so, than mere qualifications, and that success often comes from those who are willing to step forward despite the presence of more qualified individuals.
Themes
MotivationActionQualificationsInitiativeSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to encourage employees to take initiative.
More from James A. Michener
All quotes βWhenever I start a book, I swear it's going to be a short one. But then it's, 'Who was his grandfather? And how did he get there in the first place? And what kind of animals is he chasing?'
James A. MichenerRead
Rampaging horsemen can conquer; only the city can civilize.
James A. MichenerRead
I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody else does is of no concern whatever except as an interesting variation.
James A. MichenerRead
If a man happens to find himself, he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life.
James A. MichenerRead
I was brought up in the great tradition of the late nineteenth century: that a writer never complains, never explains and never disdains.
James A. MichenerRead
Similar quotes
My advice to young entrepreneurs is not to accept defeat in the face of odds, and challenge negative forces with hope, self-confidence and conviction.
Dhirubhai AmbaniRead
Do not quit! Hundreds of times I have watched people throw in the towel at the one-yard line while someone else comes along and makes a fortune by just going that extra yard.
E. Joseph CossmanRead
My passions, concentrated on a single point, resemble the rays of a sun assembled by a magnifying glass: they immediately set fire to whatever object they find in their way.
Marquis De SadeRead
Say to them, say to the down-keepers, the sun-slappers, the self-soilers, the harmony-hushers, "Even if you are not ready for day it cannot always be night." You will be right. For that is the hard home-run. Live not for battles won. Live not for the-end-of-the-song. Live in the along.
Gwendolyn BrooksRead
I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
Langston HughesRead
I won't say we have to win. I won't put that pressure. But we can't lose.
Jose MourinhoRead