The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.
George BalanchineRead
First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty if you're very lucky and have said your prayers.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success requires hard work and dedication, often followed by fortunate outcomes.
This quote by George Balanchine emphasizes the importance of hard work ('sweat') as a precursor to achieving success and fulfillment ('beauty'). It suggests that while tireless effort is essential, luck and a positive mindset, represented by 'prayers', can play a significant role in attaining one's goals.
Themes
SweatBeautyHard WorkSuccessLuck
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire students during finals week as they prepare for their exams.
More from George Balanchine
All quotes βI don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.
George BalanchineRead
God creates, I do not create. I assemble and I steal everywhere to do it - from what I see, from what the dancers can do, from what others do.
George BalanchineRead
Most ballet teachers in the United States are terrible. If they were in medicine, everyone would be poisoned.
George BalanchineRead
One is born to be a dancer. No teacher can work miracles, nor will years of training make a good dancer of an untalented pupil. One may be able to acquire a certain technical facility, but no one can ever 'acquire an exceptional talent.' I have never prided myself on having an unusually gifted pupil. A Pavlova is no one's pupil but God's.
George BalanchineRead
The pointes for girls, I always say, have to be like an elephant's trunk; strong and yet flexible and soft.
George BalanchineRead
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One thing I always say is being a great chef today is not enough - you have to be a great businessman.
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I have the world heavyweight title not because it was 'given' to me, not because of my race or religion, but because I won it in the ring through my own boxing ability.
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