The great thing is to last and get your work done
Meaning
In Death in the Afternoon, Hemingway reflects on what matters for an artist over a long career. Staying power counts more than a brilliant burst. Whether you write, build or teach, aim for a sustainable pace you can keep for years, and finish the work in front of you today.
Source: Death in the Afternoon (1932)
About the author
(1899–1961) was an American writer known for his concise and powerful prose style. His works, including "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms," explore themes of courage, loss, and human resilience. Hemingway’s writing is characterized by simplicity and understatement, often referred to as the ‘iceberg theory.’ He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954. His experiences as a journalist and war correspondent influenced much of his work. Ernest Hemingway’s legacy continues to shape modern literature and storytelling techniques.
Related quotes
-
“Done is better than perfect.”
Meaning: This highlights execution over perfectionism. -
“Perfect is the enemy of good.”
Meaning: Voltaire warns that striving for perfection can delay or prevent progress. Accepting good results allows forward movement. -
“Leadership earns trust when actions stay consistent under pressure.”
Meaning: Consistency builds credibility in leadership. -
“Consistency turns effort into identity and identity into long-term success.”
Meaning: Habits define success. -
“Progress becomes powerful when discipline outlasts motivation.”
Meaning: Consistency matters more than temporary inspiration. -
“Work-life balance is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustained success.”
Meaning: Balance is essential. -
“A calm company culture produces better long-term results than constant pressure.”
Meaning: Calmness improves productivity. -
“Discipline is not about forcing yourself every day, it is about building a life where the right choices become automatic.”
Meaning: Habits reduce the need for constant motivation. -
“Consistency builds confidence faster than motivation.”
Meaning: Repeated action creates belief. -
“Discipline is not about pushing yourself endlessly, it is about designing a system where the right actions become the easiest ones to take.”
Meaning: Good systems make discipline sustainable.