Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early
Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now.
The showman and master of enterprise, P. T. Barnum, once declared: “Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now.” In these words lies the timeless creed of diligence, a call to pour one’s full spirit into every work, holding nothing back, and sparing no effort. For greatness does not spring from half-hearted labor, but from devotion that consumes the whole being.
To labor with all your might is to recognize the dignity of every task, no matter how humble. Whether tending the field, crafting with the hand, or shaping visions of the mind, each act becomes noble when done with full strength and unwavering purpose. The seasons may change, the sun may rise and fall, but the spirit of diligence knows no rest in its pursuit of excellence.
Barnum, a man of relentless energy, spoke from his own life. His ventures were not born of chance, but of tireless effort—seeking opportunity early and late, ever refusing to defer. He understood that delay is the thief of achievement, and that each hour wasted is an hour stolen from destiny. Thus, his counsel was to act now, to move boldly, and to leave no stone unturned in the quest for success.
The ancients too praised such diligence. They taught that the farmer who sows in season and out of season reaps abundance, and the builder who lays each stone with care raises a temple that endures. To work with might is not only to achieve, but to honor the gift of life itself, for sloth squanders what the Creator has given, while labor refines it into glory.
So let this teaching be carried forward: whatever path you walk, let it not be in hesitation or half measure. Give your might, give your hours, give your constancy, and the fruit of your work will bear witness. For he who labors with diligence writes his name upon the scroll of time, while the idle are forgotten as shadows at dawn.
NTThu Suong Nguyen Thi
Barnum’s quote reminds me of the importance of being proactive, but it also raises a question about long-term sustainability. Is it possible to apply this level of commitment to everything, or should we reserve our full effort for certain tasks that align with our long-term goals? How can we maintain enthusiasm and motivation when we feel overwhelmed by the constant demand to ‘do it all now’?
KNKim Khanh Nguyen
The intensity in Barnum’s words makes me think about how much we push ourselves in our daily lives. Is working with all our might and never procrastinating the key to success, or does it sometimes create unnecessary pressure? How do we manage expectations and pace ourselves, especially in a world that constantly demands more from us, without sacrificing our mental and physical health?
PNNguyen Pham Nhu
Barnum’s philosophy about never deferring a task is a strong call for urgency and discipline. But in practice, is this always the best way to approach things? Can we truly accomplish everything now, or do we risk rushing through important decisions and overlooking essential details? How do we prioritize tasks effectively without feeling the need to do everything immediately?
TMThu Minh
Barnum’s call to work tirelessly and with all our might is inspiring, but it also brings to mind the idea of efficiency. If we work at something constantly, does it always yield the best results? Or does the quality of work sometimes diminish when we push ourselves too hard? How do we balance working with all our might while still maintaining a focus on quality and not just quantity?
TNThai Nguyen
This quote from Barnum highlights an intense work ethic, one that is relentless and all-encompassing. While it’s admirable, it also raises questions about the pressures we place on ourselves. Is it realistic to expect this level of dedication in every task? How do we avoid perfectionism and still give our best effort without overextending ourselves or losing sight of our well-being?