The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Roth suggests that unfinished projects often lead to failure or trouble rather than success.
- In plain terms
- Many problems come from things that are not finished.
- What can you take from it?
- Finish your work to avoid failure.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What unfinished task burdens you?
- How do you define finished?
Another view
Not all works-in-progress are destined for failure; some just need more time.
More from Philip Roth
When you publish a book, it's the world's book. The world edits it.
Permalink to quote #2 To become a celebrity is to become a brand name. There is Ivory Soap, Rice Krispies, and Philip Roth. Ivory is the soap that floats; Rice Krispies the breakfas…
Permalink to quote #3 This indictment is a kind of fever that flares up from time to time. It flared up after 'Defender of the Faith,' again after 'Goodbye Columbus,' and understand…
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
He wasn't done yet.
Norah JonesNorah Jones quote #2 Success is 99% failure.
Soichiro HondaSoichiro Honda quote #2 Real happiness lies in the completion of work using your own brains and skills.
Soichiro HondaSoichiro Honda quote #4