What's terrible is to pretend that second-rate is first-rate. To pretend that you don't need love when you do; or you like your work when you know quite well you're capable of better.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
If doing something with second-rate effort satisfies you, find something else to do - where only your best effort will satisfy you personally.
If you go to a second-rate place, and you are first-rate, it is very difficult to do first-rate work because you do not get that critical feedback you need for first-rate work on a daily basis.
But no work from a first rate mind is ever really second rate.
I knew I'd always be a second-rate academic, and I thought, 'Well, I'd rather be a second-rate novelist or even a third-rate one'.
I think saying you're bad at something is rather wonderful because then it doesn't matter anymore.
My rule is: the second you find yourself doing something you hate, quit doing it.
Second thoughts oftentimes are the very worst of all thoughts.
When I teach writing, I have a mantra: 'Be a first-rate version of yourself, and not a second-rate version of another writer.'
First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people.
No opposing quotes found.