QuoteProject
If my efforts have led to greater success than usual, this is due, I believe, to the fact that during my wanderings in the field of medicine, I have strayed onto paths where the gold was still lying by the wayside. It takes a little luck to be able to distinguish gold from dross, but that is all.
Robert Koch
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Success often requires both effort and a bit of luck to identify valuable opportunities.

In this quote, Robert Koch reflects on his achievements in the field of medicine, attributing his greater success to a combination of diligent efforts and the fortunate ability to recognize valuable opportunities amidst the ordinary. He emphasizes that while hard work is essential, recognizing true potential often requires a stroke of luck, serving as a reminder that not all success is solely earned.

Themes

SuccessLuckOpportunityMedicineEfforts

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about career success.

More from Robert Koch

The pure culture is the foundation for all research on infectious disease.
Robert KochRead

Similar quotes

I would trade all the individual awards I've won for a World Cup.
Abby WambachRead
I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success ... Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.
Nikola TeslaRead
I want to look back on my career and be proud of the work, and be proud that I tried everything.
Jon StewartRead
I do not judge success based on championships; rather, I judge it on how close we came to realizing our potential
John WoodenRead
I was an overnight success all right, but 30 years is a long, long night.
Ray KrocRead
So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one's own business; but to these we must add frugality if we would make our industry more certainly successful. A man may, if he knows not how to save as he gets, keep his nose all his life to the grindstone, and die not worth a grout at last.
Benjamin FranklinRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.