Page:The mastery of destiny (IA masteryofdestiny00alle).pdf/80

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
64
The Mastery of Destiny

who, while engaged in their worldly task, are continually dwelling upon anticipated pleasures, cannot do otherwise than bungle through their work, or even neglect it when their pleasure seems to be at stake.

Thoroughness is completeness, perfection; it means doing a thing so well that there is nothing left to be desired; it means doing one’s work, if not better than anyone else can do it, at least not worse than the best that others do. It means the exercise of much thought, the putting forth of great energy, the persistent application of the mind to its task, the cultivation of patience, perseverance, and a high sense of duty. An ancient teacher said, “If anything has to be done, let a man do it, let him attack it vigorously”; and another teacher said, “Whatsoever thy