He had no failings which were not owing to a noble cause; to an ardent, generous, perhaps an immoderate passion for fame; a passion which is the instinct of all great souls.
Edmund BurkeRead
Excellence is never granted to man but as the reward of labor. It argues no small strength of mind to persevere in habits of industry without the pleasure of perceiving those advances, which, like the hand of a clock, whilst they make hourly approaches to their point, yet proceed so slowly as to escape observation.
Interpretation
Excellence is achieved through hard work and perseverance, often without immediate recognition of progress.
This quote emphasizes the idea that true excellence is not simply given to individuals but is earned through diligent effort and hard work. It highlights the importance of having the mental strength to maintain a disciplined work ethic, even when progress is not immediately visible, much like the gradual ticking of a clock which moves forward without overt signs of advancement.
In practice
In a graduation speech to inspire students about the value of hard work and dedication.
He had no failings which were not owing to a noble cause; to an ardent, generous, perhaps an immoderate passion for fame; a passion which is the instinct of all great souls.
When I played cricket for the West Indies, I never worried. I never really watched anyone else. I had a job to do, and I tried to do it to the best of my ability.
You can have X's and O's, you can have talent, but if you don't have a vision, it won't work.
You cannot predict literary success; the only way you can possibly aim for it is to do your thing and do it well.
When I was 15, I left school to start a magazine, and it became a success because I wouldn't take no for an answer. I remember banging on James Baldwin's door to ask for an interview when he came to England. Then I got Jean-Paul Sartre's home phone number and asked him to contribute. If I'd been 30, he might have said no, but I was a 15-year-old with passion and he was charmed. Making money was always just a side product of having a good time and creating things nobody'd seen before.
When you don’t become fixated on winning the prize or appearing successful, and instead pursue your passions, then you will discover the fulfillment that comes from living by instinct.
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