"Le signe de l'amateur est la sur-glorification et la préoccupation du mystère"

The essence of this quote revolves around the idea that amateurs often get fixated on the mystique and allure surrounding a subject, rather than diving into the hard work and practicalities required to master it. It’s like being more in love with the idea of being a writer, artist, or entrepreneur than actually doing the hard work those roles demand.

Historically, this concept has roots in various fields where the journey to mastery often seems shrouded in glamour. Think about the romanticized view of being a writer, like Ernest Hemingway, typing away in a quaint cafe. The reality? Countless hours of writing, rewriting, and facing brutal criticism. This quote calls out those who get stuck dreaming about the end result instead of rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.

Imagine a young musician who idolizes rock stars, dreaming of the day they’ll perform in front of thousands. They spend hours curating the perfect Instagram aesthetic, reading about the wild lives of rock legends, and fantasizing about the fame. But when it comes to practicing their instrument or composing music, they fall short. They're enchanted by the mystery and allure of stardom but avoid the gritty, unglamorous work it takes to get there.

To apply this wisdom in your life, the key is to shift focus from the dream to the deeds. Let’s say you want to start a business. It’s tempting to get lost in the vision of being a successful CEO. Instead, start with small, practical steps. Research your market, develop a business plan, and start networking. Embrace the less glamorous tasks—like bookkeeping and customer service—because these are the foundations of real success.

Here’s a story to bring this to life. Picture Sarah, an aspiring chef. She dreams of opening her own restaurant, imagining the praise from critics and the buzz among foodies. She spends hours watching cooking shows and following celebrity chefs on social media. But when it comes to actually cooking, she gets overwhelmed and frustrated. One day, her friend Jack, a seasoned chef, gives her a reality check.

“Sarah,” he says, “you’re in love with the idea of being a chef, not the reality. Get in the kitchen and start with the basics. Chop onions, simmer broths, perfect your sauces. The magic isn’t in the dream, it’s in the doing.”

Taking Jack's advice, Sarah starts small. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen, honing her skills and learning from experienced cooks. Gradually, she realizes that the joy comes from the process—experimenting with flavors, mastering techniques, and yes, even from the countless hours of hard, sometimes tedious work. Over time, Sarah opens her own restaurant, not because she chased the dream but because she embraced the grind.

So, if you’re stuck in the fantasy, it’s time to get real. Tackle the tasks that seem mundane. Dive into the details that feel less glamorous. Success isn’t about the mystery—it’s about the mastery. And that only comes with rolling up your sleeves and getting to work.