“So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person's genius is confined to a very few hours.”
Cite this quote
APA
“So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person's genius is confined to a very few hours.” [Quotation attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/40144-so-much-of-our-time-is-spent-in/
MLA
“So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person's genius is confined to a very few hours.” Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/40144-so-much-of-our-time-is-spent-in/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
“So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person's genius is confined to a very few hours.” Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/40144-so-much-of-our-time-is-spent-in/.