Our grand business undoubtedly is, not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Focus on clear tasks you can do now instead of distant dreams.
- In plain terms
- Do what is clear and close instead of looking far away.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize immediate and clear actions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What clear task can you do right now?
- Are you distracted by distant goals?
Another view
Looking far ahead is also important for long-term direction.
More from Thomas Carlyle
A poet without love were a physical and metaphysical impossibility.
Permalink to quote #19 : with what scientific stoicism he walks through the land of wonders, unwondering :
Permalink to quote #21 In every man's writings, the character of the writer must lie recorded.
Permalink to quote #18
Related quotes
Action: 'Do not let your grand ambitions stand in the way of small but meaningful accomplishments.'
Bryant McGillBryant McGill quote #63 Being a well-dressed man is a career, and he who goes in for it has no time for anything else.
Heywood BrounHeywood Broun quote #1 Delivery, delivery, delivery.
DemosthenesDemosthenes quote #1