Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.
Samuel SmilesRead
Labour may be a burden and a chastisement, but it is also an honour and a glory. Without it, nothing can be accomplished.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Work can be challenging, but it is also a source of pride and achievement.
This quote by Samuel Smiles emphasizes the dual nature of labor. While work may sometimes feel like a heavy burden or punishment, it also brings honor and a sense of achievement. Smiles underscores the importance of labor in accomplishing anything worthwhile in life, suggesting that through hard work, we not only achieve our goals but also gain respect and fulfillment.
Themes
LaborWorkAchievementHonorEffort
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges in the workplace.
More from Samuel Smiles
All quotes βHope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.
Samuel SmilesRead
The career of a great man remains an enduring monument of human energy. The man dies and disappears, but his thoughts and acts survive and leave an indelible stamp upon his race.
Samuel SmilesRead
Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.
Samuel SmilesRead
An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.
Samuel SmilesRead
If we opened our minds to enjoyment, we might find tranquil pleasures spread about us on every side. We might live with the angels that visit us on every sunbeam, and sit with the fairies who wait on every flower.
Samuel SmilesRead
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