Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the fear of not trying hard enough.
Jane Addams highlights the deep regret one might feel if they give up prematurely, particularly if their continued efforts could have led to significant positive outcomes. The quote urges individuals to confront their fears of failure and to continue striving for their goals, as the potential to make a meaningful impact should motivate them to persist.
In practice
In a motivational speech about resilience, I would use this quote to inspire the audience to keep trying despite challenges.
I might believe I had unusual talent if I did not know what good music was; I might enjoy half an hour's practice a day if I were busy and happy the rest of the time. You do not know what life means when all the difficulties are removed! I am simply smothered and sickened with advantages. It is like eating a sweet dessert the first thing in the morning.
America's future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence we must watch what we teach, and how we live.
Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics.
I am not one of those who believe - broadly speaking - that women are better than men. We have not wrecked railroads, nor corrupted legislatures, nor done many unholy things that men have done; but then we must remember that we have not had the chance.
National events determine our ideals, as much as our ideals determine national events.
If the meanest man in the republic is deprived of his rights,then every man in the republic is deprived of his rights.
When two men step into the ring, one and only one deserves to win. When you step into the ring, you gotta know you deserve to win. You gotta know destiny owes you victory , cause you trained harder than your opponent. You sparred harder. You ran farther.
Most of us go through life as failures, because we are waiting for the 'time to be right' to start doing something worthwhile. Do not wait. The time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.
Death, there will be death, aye. Your lordship lost a son at the Red Wedding. I lost four upon the Blackwater. And why? Because the Lannisters stole the throne. Go to Kingβs Landing and look on Tommen with your own eyes, if you doubt me. A blind man could see it. What does Stannis offer you? Vengeance. Vengeance for my sons and yours, for your husbands and your fathers and your brothers. Vengeance for your murdered lord, your murdered king, your butchered princes. Vengeance!
As long as I can compete, I won't quit. Reaching three-thousand is not the finish line as long as I can contribute.
I'm thirty-six years old. I'm just getting started!
You have to have a high conception, not of what you are doing, but of what you may do one day: without that, there's no point in working.
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