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
Men who are resolved to find a way for themselves will always find opportunities enough; and if they do not find them, they will make them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Determination leads to the creation of opportunities.
This quote emphasizes the importance of determination and proactive behavior in achieving one's goals. It suggests that those who are genuinely committed to finding a path will not only identify opportunities but will also create their own when necessary, illustrating the power of initiative and resilience in personal success.
Themes
DeterminationOpportunitySuccessInitiativeResilience
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech to inspire an audience to take charge of their futures.
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.
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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.
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Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.
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An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.
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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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