If I had not some strength of will I would make a first class drunkard.
Ernest ShackletonRead
I have often marveled at the thin line which separates success from failure.
Interpretation
Success and failure are closely linked and often determined by small factors.
In this quote, Ernest Shackleton reflects on the precarious nature of success, noting that it can be separated from failure by only a thin line. This observation highlights that many achievements are influenced by small decisions, circumstances, and chance, underscoring the importance of resilience and the impact of seemingly minor details in our quests for success.
In practice
Using this quote during a motivational speech to inspire students to persevere despite challenges.
If I had not some strength of will I would make a first class drunkard.
Now my eyes are turned from the South to the North, and I want to lead one more Expedition. This will be the last... to the North Pole.
(Was he talking about a polar expedition, or marriage?) -Jorge Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.
After months of want and hunger, we suddenly found ourselves able to have meals fit for the gods, and with appetites the gods might have envied.
A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old one goes to ground.
I thought you'd rather have a live donkey than a dead lion.
We need the whole squad, every player of the team, if we are to be successful.
For me Sir Alex was my father in football. He was crucial in my career and, outside football, was a great human being with me. Talent isn't everything. You can have it from the cradle, but it is necessary to learn the trade to be the best.
We overestimate the event and underestimate the process. Every fulfilled dream occurred because of dedication to the process.
The secret of the truly successful, I believe, is that they learned very early in life how not to be busy. They saw through that adage, repeated to me so often in childhood, that anything worth doing is worth doing well. The truth is, many things are worth doing only in the most slovenly, halfhearted fashion possible, and many other things are not worth doing at all.
Well, the only way I can get a leading-man role is if I write it.
Success is like a mountain in front of you that keeps growing. If you're not careful, it will take up your whole life.
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