4 Quotations That *Didn’t* Make It Into The Book
In late December, I’ll be rolling out a new book. This one argues that much of what we think we know about human motivation just ain’t so — and then shows how you can use the surprising new science of motivation to transform your life. (For a a tantalizing sneak preview, check out this video.)
I’ll be talking plenty later in the year about what’s in the book. But as I dig out from piles of research and notes, let me share what’s not in the book. Here, for instance, are four quotations that I like quite a bit — but that didn’t survive the final edits.
“Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or doing it better.”
— John Updike
“Every man is proud of what he does well and no man is proud of that he does not do well. With the former, his heart is in his work; and he will do twice as much of it with less fatigue. The latter performs a little imperfectly, looks at it in disgust, turns from it, and imagines himself exceedingly tired.”
— Abraham Lincoln
“No great programmer is sitting there saying, ‘I’m going to make a bunch of money,’ or ‘I’m going to sell a hundred thousand copies.’ Because that kind of thought gives you no guidance about the problems.”
— Bill Gates
“Sometimes you have to go on when you don’t feel like it, and sometimes you’re doing good work when it feels like all you’re managing is to shovel shit from a sitting position.”
— Stephen King
Love, love, love the Updike quote and am off to Tweet it away.
Motivation is central to good education. Consequently your new book sounds very interesting. I also really like the quotes you included especially Updike’s about caring enough to do your very best; that is creativity.
Sounds like Stephen King just summed up me in the middle of writing my PhD dissertation on design thinking. Thanks Daniel!
That Stephen King quote really stuck with me! I’m reading his book “On Writing” and when I came across that quote I knew I wouldn’t forget it!
You have a great set of quotes here so I’m excited to see what actually “made” it into the book.
Andy
Love the Lincoln quote. I will have to remember it and be honest with myself when I declare my exhaustion from a particular project. It hits a little too close to home.
Dan, Great stuff as always. You can add this to your quotes list . . . “I don’t make movies to make money. I make money to make movies.” – Walt Disney