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About this quote

What does it mean?
Someone attempted an action despite having no real input or purpose.
In plain terms
She tried to do something even though she had nothing to add.
What can you take from it?
Attempting tasks without contribution can be futile.

Where it applies

  • group projects
  • meetings
  • creative work

Putting it to work

  • assess your role before acting
  • contribute meaningfully

Questions to consider

  • When is trying worth it without results?
  • How do you know if you have something to contribute?

Another view

Trying anyway can sometimes lead to unexpected learning.

More from Tom Robbins

  1. A rabbi's dog could score pork chops in the streets of Tel Aviv easier than Bernard could acquire tequila in King County Jail.

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  2. Any half-awake materialist well knows - that which you hold holds you.

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. 'I'll follow him to the ends of the earth,' she sobbed. Yes, darling. But the earth doesn't have any ends. Columbus fixed that.

    Permalink to quote #34

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