Take your work seriously, but never yourself.

In the pursuit of excellence, there lies a wisdom both subtle and profound: to honor the labor without burdening the self. Margot Fonteyn speaks to this eternal balance when she declares, “Take your work seriously, but never yourself.” These words reveal the path of mastery — a dedication to craft tempered by humility and lightness of spirit. The ancients knew that the soul flourishes when effort is sacred, yet the self remains free from the weight of ego or pride.

To take one’s work seriously is to devote the full measure of attention, skill, and passion to each task. Fonteyn teaches that labor, whether in art, craft, or study, is a sacred endeavor, deserving of diligence and integrity. The ancients revered such devotion, seeing in it the reflection of the divine: a commitment that shapes not only the outcome but also the character of the one who labors. Through work, the spirit is tempered, refined, and elevated.

Yet to never take yourself seriously is to preserve joy, humility, and perspective. Fonteyn reminds us that pride and self-importance can cloud judgment, stifle creativity, and burden the heart. The ancients often spoke of the folly of those who exalt themselves above their work, for vanity blinds the soul to truth and beauty. By embracing lightness of self, one allows the work to shine without the distortion of ego.

The origin of this insight is timeless. From the philosophers of Greece who valued virtue over acclaim to the contemplative monks of the East who labored with devotion yet laughed at their own limitations, humanity has long recognized the need to balance seriousness with humility. Fonteyn’s words echo this ancient wisdom in modern form, reminding us that true mastery honors the craft, not the self.

Thus, let this teaching endure: devote yourself fully to your work, infusing it with skill, care, and dedication, but carry your self lightly, free from arrogance or weight. In this harmony of effort and humility lies the path to excellence, joy, and lasting wisdom — a life where achievement is paired with grace, and the spirit is ever uplifted by both discipline and freedom.