I was very careful never to take an interesting job. If you have an interesting job, you get interested in it

I was very careful never to take an interesting job. If you have an interesting job, you get interested in it

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, was known for her deep connection to nature and her ability to find beauty in the simplest of things. She often spoke about the importance of paying attention to the world around us and finding joy in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. In her work, she encouraged readers to slow down, to be present, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

One of the things that Mary Oliver was known for was her deliberate choice to never take an interesting job. She once said, “I was very careful never to take an interesting job. If you have an interesting job, you get interested in it.” This statement speaks to Oliver’s commitment to staying true to her passion for writing and her desire to remain focused on her craft.

Oliver understood that taking on a job that was too demanding or too distracting could take away from her ability to fully immerse herself in her writing. By choosing a job that was not overly stimulating or engaging, she was able to maintain the necessary mental space and creative energy to continue producing her beautiful poetry.

In a world that often values busyness and productivity above all else, Mary Oliver’s decision to prioritize her art over a more “interesting” job is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s passions and not allowing external pressures to dictate one’s path.

By intentionally choosing a job that was not overly stimulating, Mary Oliver was able to maintain a sense of detachment from the demands of the outside world and focus on what truly mattered to her. This deliberate choice allowed her to cultivate a deep connection to her inner world and to the natural world around her, which ultimately fueled her creativity and inspired her beautiful poetry.