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About this quote

What does it mean?
Prioritize work over rest and simple tasks over ornate tools.
In plain terms
Work first then rest and do not make your tools too fancy.
What can you take from it?
Focus on substance not decoration.

Where it applies

  • productivity
  • craft
  • life management

Putting it to work

  • do work first
  • keep tools simple

Questions to consider

  • Do you prioritize work over comfort?
  • Are you decorating instead of working?

Another view

Sometimes planning rest helps sustain long-term work.

More from John Ruskin

  1. I do not believe that ever any building was truly great, unless it had mighty masses, vigorous and deep, of shadow mingled with its surface.

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  2. When we build, let us think that we build for ever.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. It is the glistening and softly spoken lie; the amiable fallacy; the patriotic lie of the historian, the provident lie of the politician, the zealous lie of th…

    Permalink to quote #19

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