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.
My dad always taught me to never be satisfied: to want more and know that what is done is done. That was his way of seeing the game. You've done it, now move on. People might say, 'Well, when can you enjoy it?' But it worked for me because, in the game, you need to be on your toes.
Your attitude determines your altitude. It really is true that If you think you can, you can; and if you think you canβt β youβre right.
To do nothing is the way to be nothing.
You have to show up at 7 in the morning and be on like it's 9 at night. It's a skill. Some comics run from it, and they hate doing it, but the comics that are pros understand how important it is, and they get good at it.
You have to fail and then get better. Then you have to fail again, and then get even better.
It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.
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