The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
In engineering, that only is great which achieves. It matters not what the intention is, he who in the day of battle is not victorious is not saved by his intention.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True success in engineering (and life) is determined by results rather than intentions.
Henry Ward Beecher's quote emphasizes that in engineering and other practical fields, the ultimate measure of success is the outcome of one's efforts. Intentions alone do not guarantee success; only achievements matter, especially in critical situations where failure can have significant consequences.
Themes
EngineeringSuccessAchievementsIntentionsBattle
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of delivering results.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes →A man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
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No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
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We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
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No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
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There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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