Ability is a poor man's wealth.
John WoodenRead
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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
ExcellenceHard WorkPerseveranceSuccessLaborDiscipline
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire students about the value of hard work and dedication.
Similar quotes
It is a grand thing to rise in the world. The ambition to do so is the very salt of the earth. It is the parent of all enterprise, and the cause of all improvement.
Anthony TrollopeRead
I have always believed that the only way to cope with a cash crisis is not to contract but to try to expand out of it.
Richard BransonRead
Everybody in the minor leagues - if you're a player, an announcer, whatever - wants to be in the big leagues.
Ernie HarwellRead
Great companies don't just have one founding moment. They have many founding moments.
Jack DorseyRead
I’m proud to be Japanese and I wanted my country to succeed. I believed my system was a way that could help us become a modern industrial nation. That is why I had no problem with sharing it with other Japanese companies, even my biggest competitors.
Taiichi OhnoRead