The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.
Interpretation
The true achievement lies in having the courage to begin a challenge rather than just completing it.
This quote emphasizes the importance of courage in initiating action. Many people may find it daunting to start something new, but the real miracle is not only in the completion of a task but in the willingness to take that initial step, overcoming fear and doubt in the process.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage startup entrepreneurs.
If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.
There is nothing about which I am more anxious than my country, and for its sake I am willing to die ten deaths, if that be possible.
There are two ways of avoiding fear: one is by persuading ourselves that we are immune from disaster, and the other is by the practice of sheer courage. The latter is difficult, and to everybody becomes impossible at a certain point. The former has therefore always been more popular. Primitive magic has the purpose of securing safety, either by injuring enemies, or by protecting oneself by talismans, spells, or incantations.
The ability to be cool, confident, and decisive in crisis is not an inherited characteristic but is the direct result of how well the individual has prepared himself for the battle.
Let no one think of me that I am humble or weak or passive; let them understand I am of a different kind: dangerous to my enemies, loyal to my friends. To such a life glory belongs.
Psychologically, I will not have to seek far if I decide to kill myself, because in my mind and heart I am more ready for this than for the unplanned daily tribulations that mark off the mornings and afternoons.
All is not lost, the unconquerable will, and study of revenge, immortal hate, and the courage never to submit or yield.
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