Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True success lies in personal growth rather than external rewards.
This quote by John Ruskin emphasizes that the true value of our hard work is not solely measured by the material rewards we receive, but rather in the character and virtues we develop throughout the process. It suggests that the journey of striving and laboring shapes us into better individuals, and that growth and self-improvement are the real rewards of our efforts.
Themes
ToilRewardPersonal GrowthCharacterSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire students about their future endeavors.
More from John Ruskin
All quotes βIn health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
John RuskinRead
You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
John RuskinRead
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
John RuskinRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
Similar quotes
Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take care of my labors, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it.
Samuel JohnsonRead
I'm actively working hard on learning to appreciate yourself no matter what. If what someone else says can easily derail you, it means your sense of self isn't that firmly established in the first place. It's an inside job. You're beautiful and worthy and totally unique. People insult each other based on their own insecurities - even though it may feel personal, it really never is. Really. Seriously.
Emma StoneRead
I looked at all friends, and did not find a better friend than safeguarding the tongue. I thought about all dresses, but did not find a better dress than piety. I thought about all types of wealth, but did not find a better wealth than contentment in little. I thought of all types of good deeds, but did not find a better deed than offering good advice. I looked at all types of sustenance, but did not find a better sustenance than patience.
UmarRead
People like it when they understand something that they previously thought they couldn't understand. It's a sense of empowerment.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
Be kind to people on the way up - you'll meet them again on your way down.
Jimmy DuranteRead
Reputation is like fine china: Once broken it's very hard to repair.
Abraham LincolnRead