What does this quote mean?

“Activity does not consist in velocity of change but in constancy of purpose.”

Being busy or changing quickly is not the same as purposeful action; continuity of aim gives activity its direction.

Source note: The Life of Reason; the line appears in Santayana’s analysis of ideas, activity, and sustained direction.

“Never leave that till tomorrow, which you can do to-day.”

The maxim turns prompt action into a habit: work that can reasonably be completed now should not be needlessly transferred to an uncertain tomorrow.

Source note: The Way to Wealth; a Poor Richard maxim on delay and useful employment of time.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”

The proverb uses the ant as an example of self-directed preparation, turning observation of repeated practical behavior into a lesson about disciplined habits.

Source note: Proverbs 6:6 in the King James Version; the following verses describe the ant preparing food without an overseer.

“To make each one many times was the best way to imbed it in his memory.”

The narration connects repeated practice with stronger recall, showing Marco deliberately using repetition to make a learned association more durable.

Source note: The Lost Prince; Project Gutenberg #384. The exercise involves repeatedly sketching faces connected with places for the novel’s secret mission.

“Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment.”

Purpose gives thought a direction, turning ideas into a standard for choosing and completing useful work.

Source note: As a Man Thinketh, “Thought and Purpose.”

“When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.”

Work is imagined as a way of giving form to passing time, connecting effort with participation and expression.

Source note: The Prophet, “On Work.”