“People underestimate the importance of dilligence as a virtue. No doubt it has something to do with how supremely mundane it seems. It is defined as "the constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken."... Understood, however, as the prerequisite of great accomplishment, diligence stands as one of the most difficult challenges facing any group of people who take on tasks of risk and consequence. It sets a high, seemingly impossible, expectation for performance and human behavior.”
Analysis
In this quote by Atul Gawande, the importance of diligence as a virtue is emphasized. Gawande points out how diligence is often overlooked because of its mundane nature, but stresses that it is the driving force behind great accomplishments. He highlights the challenge that diligence poses to individuals and groups, setting a high standard for performance and behavior. In this way, Gawande suggests that diligence is essential for taking on tasks of risk and consequence, serving as a foundation for success.
Modern Relevance of Diligence as a Virtue
In today's fast-paced world, where instant gratification and shortcuts are often celebrated, the virtue of diligence can be overlooked. Atul Gawande's insight on diligence as the constant and earnest effort to accomplish tasks resonates even more in the modern context where success is often equated with easy and quick wins. Let's explore why diligence remains a crucial virtue in achieving great accomplishments amidst challenges and risks.
Importance of Diligence
Atul Gawande highlights the importance of diligence as a virtue in achieving great accomplishments. He emphasizes how diligence is often overlooked due to its mundane nature, but it is essential for individuals and groups undertaking risky and consequential tasks.
“People underestimate the importance of dilligence as a virtue. No doubt it has something to do with how supremely mundane it seems. It is defined as "the constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken."... Understood, however, as the prerequisite of great accomplishment, diligence stands as one of the most difficult challenges facing any group of people who take on tasks of risk and consequence. It sets a high, seemingly impossible, expectation for performance and human behavior.” - Atul Gawande
Reflection Questions
As we reflect on the importance of diligence as a virtue, let's consider the following questions:
- How do you personally define diligence in your own life and work?
- Can you think of a time when diligence played a crucial role in achieving a significant accomplishment?
- What are some of the challenges you face in maintaining diligence in your daily tasks?
- How does the concept of diligence intersect with your values and beliefs?
- In what ways can you cultivate a mindset of diligence in pursuing your goals and aspirations?
Similar quotes
“Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible for anyone to accomplish.”
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”
“What's the bigger risk: Taking the risk, or not taking the risk? What will you accomplish by not taking the risk? What will you accomplish by taking the risk, even if you fail?”
“The most important acts, both for the one who accomplishes them and for his fellow creatures, are those that have remote consequences.”
“The man who makes a success of an important venture never wails for the crowd. He strikes out for himself. It takes nerve, it takes a great lot of grit; but the man that succeeds has both. Anyone can fail. The public admires the man who has enough confidence in himself to take a chance. These chances are the main things after all. The man who tries to succeed must expect to be criticized. Nothing important was ever done but the greater number consulted previously doubted the possibility. Success is the accomplishment of that which most people think can't be done.”