A crown Golden in show, is but a wreath of thorns, Bring dangers, troubles, cares, and sleepless nights To him who wears the regal diadem
Interpretation
True success often comes with hidden burdens and challenges.
This quote suggests that the outward appearance of success, symbolized by a golden crown, often conceals the hardships and difficulties that accompany it. The metaphor of a 'wreath of thorns' emphasizes the struggles, dangers, and sleepless nights faced by those in positions of power and achievement, reminding us that the pursuit of greatness may lead to significant personal sacrifice and stress.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the pressures of leadership.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
My songs are the door to every dream I've ever had and every success I've ever achieved.
This is what I find most magnetic about successful givers: they get to the top without cutting others down, finding ways of expanding the pie that benefit themselves and the people around them. Whereas success is zero-sum in a group of takers, in groups of givers, it may be true that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
I don't feel like a wealthy person. Other people think of me as a wealthy person, but I don't. I feel the same as when I was a fifth-year associate trying to make partner at Lehman Brothers. I haven't changed.
To WOW, you must differentiate yourself, which means do something a little unconventional and innovative. You must do something thatβs above and beyond whatβs expected. And whatever you do must have an emotional impact on the receiver.
Success is the ability to continue to move through total disaster.
Material wealth does not equate to success. Equanimity and peace of mind does
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