She did her work with the thoroughness of a mind which reveres details and never quite understands them.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the importance of attention to detail, even amidst confusion or lack of understanding.
Sinclair Lewis's quote illustrates the dedication and meticulousness with which an individual approaches their work, emphasizing that a profound respect for detailed tasks can exist even when one lacks complete understanding of those details. This suggests that valuing thoroughness is an essential aspect of commitment and diligence, showing that one can still excel while grappling with the complexities of their work.
In practice
In a presentation about process improvement, I shared the quote to emphasize the significance of focusing on details.
Upon this theology he rarely pondered. The kernel of his practical religion was that it was respectable, and beneficial to one's business, to be seen going to services; that the church kept the Worst Elements from being still worse; and that the pastor's sermons, however dull they might seem at the time of taking, yet had a voodooistic power which 'did a fellow good-- kept him in touch with Higher Things.
Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country.
Writers kid themselves-about themselves and other people. Take the talk about writing methods. Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type with your toes-it is just work.
Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes-it's still just work.
It is, I think, an error to believe that there is any need of religion to make life seem worth living.
There are dozens of young poets and fictioneers most of them a little insane in the tradition of James Joyce, who, however insane they may be, have refused to be genteel and traditional and dull.
It is worse still to be ignorant of your ignorance.
Don’t talk like that, Dill,” said Aunt Alexandra. “It’s not becoming to a child. It’s – cynical.” “I ain’t cynical, Miss Alexandra. Tellin’ the truth’s not cynical, is it?” “The way you tell it, it is.
Nothing is more damaging to the truth than an old error.
Only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you.
Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.
Other guys read Playboy. I read annual reports.
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