As a teacher at Princeton, I’m surrounded by people who work hard so I just make good use of my time. And I don’t really think of it as work – writing a novel, in one sense, is a problem-solving exercise.

Meaning

At its core, the quote expresses a belief about life. It implies that life rarely follows a perfect plan, and invites reflection on we focus on the present moment.

Theme

The theme of life appears frequently in reflections and literature. People return to it because people seek purpose and clarity. Quotes on this topic often remind us that every stage of life offers lessons.

About the Author

The quote is attributed to Joyce Carol Oates, whose words are often shared for their simplicity and clarity. Many readers connect their sayings with themes like life.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
life rarely follows a perfect plan.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about life, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we focus on the present moment.