The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote suggests that a fulfilled life blends work, play, and personal growth into a single pursuit of excellence rather than separating them into distinct categories.
- In plain terms
- Do everything with excellence and don't worry about labeling it work or play.
- What can you take from it?
- Pursue excellence in all activities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What activities make you lose track of time?
- How do you define excellence?
Another view
This ideal can be unrealistic for those with rigid jobs or limited resources.
More from James Michener
Scientists dream about doing great things. Engineers do them.
Permalink to quote #50 The permanent temptation of life is to confuse dreams with reality. The permanent defeat of life comes when dreams are surrendered to reality.
Permalink to quote #52 It takes courage to know when you ought to be afraid.
Permalink to quote #49
Related quotes
Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live.
Margaret FullerMargaret Fuller quote #96 For 'im that doth not work must surely die; But that's no reason man should labour all 'Is life on one same shift - life's none so long.
Rudyard KiplingRudyard Kipling quote #102 I am come to a tavern alone to eat a steak, after which I shall return to the office.
Richard SteeleRichard Steele quote #3