185 quotes, page 7 of 7

Pride in the job

For anybody who does it properly when nobody is watching: the tidy load, the clean weld, the bed made right. Craft is a habit, not a job title.

We say who really said each one, and where the credit is uncertain we tell you. Every card is ours to share.

“The work fears the master.”

Russian proverb (Delo mastera boitsya)

A job that looks daunting gets easier once you have the skill to tackle it.

“Good tools are half the work.”

Dutch proverb (Goed gereedschap is het halve werk)

Look after your tools and they look after you. Blunt blades waste time.

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”

Dorothea Lange, as widely quoted

Training in one trade teaches you to notice things everywhere: a level shelf, a loose tile, a hazard.

“Familiarity breeds skill.”

Chinese proverb (Shu neng sheng qiao)

The more you work the till or the forklift, the smoother you get. Give it time.

“There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.”

Ansel Adams, as widely quoted

Polish is not enough. Know exactly what the job is for before perfecting the finish.

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