when we no longer know what to do we have come to our real work
Meaning
Berry argues that the moments when familiar answers fail are where real effort begins. If you are facing a decision with no obvious path, resist grabbing the nearest formula; give yourself a week of listening, asking questions and trying small experiments.
Source: Standing by Words (1983), "Poetry and Marriage: The Use of Old Forms"
About the author
Wendell Berry (born 1934) is an American novelist, poet, essayist and farmer from Kentucky. He is known for his writings on agrarian life, community and ecological humility.
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