Indeed it is possible to stand with one foot on the inevitable 'banana peel' of life with both eyes peering into the Great Beyond, and still be happy, comfortable, and serene - if we will even so much as smile.
Douglas FairbanksRead
The man who is gloomy, taciturn and lives in a world of doubt seldom achieves more than a bare living. There have been a few who have groaned their way through to a competence, but in proportion to that overwhelming number of souls who carry cheer through life, they are as nothing - mere drops in the bucket.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A positive attitude and cheerfulness are essential for achieving more in life than mere survival.
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cheerful and optimistic outlook on life. It suggests that individuals who live in doubt and gloom are unlikely to accomplish more than the bare minimum, while those who carry positivity and cheer are far more abundant and successful in their endeavors. The comparison indicates that a joyful approach to life leads to greater achievements and fulfillment.
Themes
PositivityCheerfulnessSuccessLifeDoubt
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about achieving goals.
More from Douglas Fairbanks
All quotes →Similar quotes
Let your joy be in your journey, not in some distant goal.
Tim CookRead
Women are dominating the charts, and women are doing it for themselves. We're kicking butt and taking no prisoners.
Patti LabelleRead
When doing what we most love transforms us into the best possible version of ourselves and that version hints at even greater future possibilities, the urge to explore those possibilities becomes feverish compulsion. Intrinsic motivation goes through the roof. Thus flow becomes an alternative path to mastery, sans the misery.
Steven KotlerRead
I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
Can't nobody touch me right now. Maybe next month all of this will be over. But this month I'm takin' every movin' target out.
Tupac ShakurRead
There's no reason to have a plan B because it distracts from plan A.
Will SmithRead