We see achievement as purposeful and monolithic, like the sculpting of a massive tree trunk that has first to be brought from the forest and then shaped by long labor to assert the artist's vision, rather than something crafted from odds and ends, like a patchwork quilt, and lovingly used to warm different nights and bodies.

—Mary Catherine Bateson

purpose vision art work achievement

About Mary Catherine Bateson

Portrait of Mary Catherine Bateson

Mary Catherine Bateson (December 8, 1939 – January 2, 2021) was an American writer and cultural anthropologist.

More quotations from Mary Catherine Bateson

The family is changing not disappearing. We have to broaden our understanding of it, look for the new metaphors.

—Mary Catherine Bateson

More quotations tagged with “achievement”

To achieve the impossible dream, try going to sleep.

—Joan Klempner

accomplishment achievement dream sleep

To be free is to have achieved your life.

—Tennessee Williams

life freedom achievement

Set a goal so big that if you achieved it, it would blow your mind.

—Rhonda Byrne in The Secret

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Some animals, like some men, leave a trail of glory behind them. They give their spirit to the place where they have lived, and remain forever a part of the rocks and streams and the wind and sky.

—Marguerite Henry

life achievement permanence animals glory

You have to dream before your dreams can come true.

—A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

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History

23 Nov 2014 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

We see achievement as purposeful and monolithic, like the sculpting of a massive tree trunk that has first to be brought from the forest and then shaped by long labor to assert the artist's vision, rather than something crafted from odds and ends, like a patchwork quilt, and lovingly used to warm different nights and bodies.