17. Act Your Part Well

Maybe the most famous image in the book. You did not write the play. You do not cast it. Your only work is to act your part well.

Remember that you are an actor in a play, and the author decides what kind of play it is.

If he wants it short, it is short. If he wants it long, it is long.

If he gives you the part of a poor man, play it well. If he gives you a lame man, or a governor, or a private person, play that part well.

Your work is to act well the character given to you.

Choosing the character is someone else's work.

What this means. Stop fighting the role you were given. Play it as well as you can. That is your one real job.