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
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.
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