Mary Oliver on work

To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.

My work is loving the world. Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird — equal seekers of sweetness.

Every word is a messenger. Some have wings; some are filled with fire; some are filled with death.

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours.

Dale Carnegie1888–1955

The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you’re willing to pay the price.

Vince Lombardi1913–1970

• Success