You know, a calling is not just work you love. It’s that rare, potent mix of passion and purpose that truly changes things. It’s what separates a job from a life’s work.
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Meaning
At its core, this idea draws a powerful line between mere enjoyment and profound purpose. It’s the difference between liking what you do and feeling like your work is a part of who you are.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. People think if they just find a job they’re passionate about, that’s it. But that’s only half the equation. The real magic, the real grit, comes when that passion is tied to a meaningful impact. It’s the work that you’d do even when it’s hard, because the outcome matters so deeply. It’s not just about personal fulfillment—it’s about contribution. That’s the engine for long-term perseverance.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Career (192) |
| Topics | career general (7), meaning (50), purpose (186) |
| Literary Style | philosophical (434), reflective (255) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392), warm (182) |
| Overall Quote Score | 83 (302) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is straight from Angela Duckworth’s 2016 book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. It’s a key concept in her research, not just a passing quote. You sometimes see this idea misattributed to other self-help gurus, but the specific phrasing and the framework around it are uniquely Duckworth’s.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dr Angela Duckworth (58) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (58) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Angela Duckworth is a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor and MacArthur Fellow whose research focuses on grit, self-control, and achievement. She taught middle school before earning her PhD at Penn and later founded Character Lab to advance the science of character development. Her bestseller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance has shaped thinking in education and performance science. She co-hosts No Stupid Questions on the Freakonomics network. If you’re browsing the Angela Duckworth book list, you’ll find practical, research-backed guidance for cultivating passion and perseverance.
| Official Website
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | A calling is not just work you love; it’s work that matters deeply to you and makes a difference |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2016; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1501111105; Last edition: Scribner 2016; Number of pages: 352 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 8: Purpose, page 160 (2016 Edition) |