The word ‘quintessential’ could be literally interpreted as ‘5x essential’ but is most typically used as ‘perfect example’ or ‘model we should follow’ — as in, “Roger Thornhill1 was the quintessential red herring.”
I tend to combine the two ideas when it comes to What I Do For A Living.
5x Essential: autonomy, variety, independence, challenge, safety (let’s be real, right?), creativity, appropriate ‘fit’ (I’m not a perfect match for everyone and I know it!), comfort (environmentally — lighting, air temperature, scent-free, etc.), and making a difference
Perfect Example: working with my “crunchy” kid
I also take those kinds of things into consideration for other Important Life Factors, like Building Relationships (communication, compatibility, honesty, respect, shared values, humor, and patience are all quintessential there) and for big decisions like Buying A Car (comfort, affordability, reliability, safety, fuel economy = quintessential).
An example of the former (The Quintessential Relationship) would be my marriage; the latter (The Quintessential Vehicle), Scarlett.
Does that make sense?
Even for small things, I think there are quintessential characteristics I consider (expect?). These are things I prioritize when deciding where I spend my money when it comes grocery shopping and dining out; which authors I read and/or whose books I return to; which projects I tackle around the house; how (and where) I spend my leisure time.
If a restaurant has great food but poor service, it does not pass muster; I will go someplace where the ambiance is up to snuff. If an author is all over the page in terms of quality of content, I may bear with it once (everybody flops now and then) but if it’s a regular thing then I am not going to be a regular reader — I’m clear in my purpose for reading; I expect writers to be clear in their purpose for writing. The deck might need to be rebuilt, but the budget might interfere; the point is that it needs to improve somehow in a way that will please me. I may prefer to visit the beach for vacation but if I have limited time or funds, I will seek all those ‘beachy’ qualities (sunshine, access to water, relaxation) in another way.
And what is quintessential in all these things is that I find pleasure in the doing of them.
No, I may not enjoy the process of washing down the deck and applying a new coat of paint. It’s hard work! It makes my body ache.
But I will appreciate the exercise. And I will darn sure be pleased with the end result.
So I guess — simple though it may be — pleasure, for me, is quintessential.
In all things.
What about you?
My theme for this year’s A-to-Z Challenge is Twenty(-six) Questions. The question I have answered above and now ask to you for the letter Q, is this:
What is quintessential to you?
1Those of you who are Cary Grant fans will recognize the reference.
I like your take on things.
It is sometimes more exhausting than just consuming.
On the other hand, it triggers much more satisfaction.
Satisfaction is key. 🙂
I suppose if I had to choose one word for myself it would contemplative – I like thinking about things. So it’s important to me that things have depth (so I can dig deep) or breadth (so I can expand my vision and start making non-obvious connections. But ultimately what I think I’m wanting to do is recognize the beauty in things. And heaven knows I don’t mean superficial appearance kind of beauty – but rather that something that pings your heart and you know you’ve been blessed with seeing at least a glimpse of the true essence of something. I’m happy to be patient, to listen, to remain curious and let things reveal themselves. But the willingness to allow one’s expression to be seen is important to me.
Innate beauty and the interconnectedness of all things… That sounds so lovely. And from what I’ve read of your blog writings: very You. 🙂
To me quintessential needs are love embedded in a relation ship, lot of energy both mental and physical to do whatever i wanna do….
Dropping by from a to z “The Pensive”
Love looks different to different people, but it definitely requires energy.
You are most likely a perfectionist. You also try to find meaning and pleasure in everything you do. It is possible that according to the horoscope you are a virgin.
I’m a Pisces.
It’s not bad too 🙂