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Each flitch, each board, each plank can have only one ideal use. The woodworker, applying a thousand skills, must find that ideal use and then shape the wood to realize its true potential.
George Nakashima
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the importance of recognizing and fulfilling the unique potential of materials, particularly in woodworking.

George Nakashima suggests that each piece of wood has a specific purpose that reflects its best qualities. The woodworker's role is to skillfully identify and craft that purpose, transforming the raw material into something beautiful and functional, thereby honoring the wood's inherent potential.

Themes

WoodworkingPotentialCraftsmanshipArtSkill

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about creativity in art, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding materials.

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