Quality is pride of workmanship.
W. Edwards Deming, master of systems and teacher of industry, once declared: “Quality is pride of workmanship.” In this brief yet profound truth lies the eternal law of labor—that quality is not an accident nor a trick of chance, but the natural fruit of a soul that takes pride in its work. Where there is devotion to craft, there is excellence; where there is indifference, only mediocrity.
The ancients knew this wisdom well. They spoke of the sculptor who poured his spirit into marble, of the builder who carved even the unseen stones of a temple with care, because the gods would see them. Workmanship was not merely a means of survival, but an offering, a way to prove one’s reverence for life, for beauty, for truth. Thus, to create with pride was to honor both the self and the divine.
Deming’s words also serve as a warning to those who pursue only speed, profit, or appearance. Quality cannot be faked; it cannot be manufactured in haste or forced by command. It springs instead from within, from the worker who believes that their effort carries dignity, that every action leaves a mark upon the world. Pride of workmanship is the soul’s signature upon matter, and it cannot be erased.
To live by this truth is to see every task, however small, as worthy of honor. Whether one lays stone, writes words, teaches children, or forges steel, the measure of greatness is the pride with which it is done. This transforms labor from burden into legacy, and toil into triumph. The one who works with care is not only a laborer, but a creator, shaping the future with hands both humble and divine.
Let the generations remember: seek quality, not for praise or wealth, but because it is the outward sign of inner nobility. Take pride in workmanship, for every deed well done becomes eternal, echoing long after the hand that wrought it is gone. As Deming teaches, the worth of a life is not in what we consume or claim, but in the excellence of what we give to the world through our labor.
RLRichard Leon
This quote by Deming makes me reflect on the relationship between pride and work ethic. If we take pride in what we do, does that naturally lead to a higher standard of work, or is there more to it? Could it be that pride alone is not enough, and that consistent effort and skill development are also essential to achieve real quality in our work?
PPham
I agree with Deming’s idea that quality stems from a genuine sense of pride in one’s work. But does this mean that individuals who take pride in their work are always the best at it, or could there be times when pride interferes with collaboration or broader goals? Is it possible that too much pride can lead to stubbornness or an inability to accept constructive feedback?
BC3. Le Tran Thi Bao Chau
Deming’s emphasis on pride as a driver of quality makes me think about how important self-respect is in any profession. But what about when people are just going through the motions at work, without feeling that pride? Can quality still be achieved in such circumstances, or does true quality require passion and personal investment in the outcome?
HNhoai nguyen
This quote by Deming really resonates with the idea that craftsmanship and attention to detail are driven by pride. But is it always the case that pride guarantees quality, or could it sometimes lead to overconfidence or unnecessary perfectionism? Is the pursuit of quality more about skill, process, or an intrinsic sense of pride in one’s craft?
NBNguyen Bella
Deming’s quote speaks to the idea that true quality in work comes from the pride we take in what we do. But can pride alone ensure quality? Is it possible for someone to take pride in their work without necessarily achieving a high level of quality, or is pride the key motivator that drives attention to detail? How does pride influence the overall outcome of our work?