Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Strength of mind is exercise, not rest.
Interpretation
Mental strength is developed through practice and challenges, not by inactivity.
This quote by Alexander Pope emphasizes that developing mental fortitude requires effort and active engagement, much like physical strength. It suggests that, rather than seeking comfort and ease, one should confront challenges and push their boundaries to strengthen their mind.
In practice
During a leadership seminar on resilience, one might quote this to highlight the importance of facing challenges.
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
It is wise not to seek a secret, and honest not to reveal one.
She closed one eye and looked at me and said, "I know there is a blessing in this somewhere." It is worth living long enough to outlast whatever sense of grievance you may acquire. Another reason why you must be careful of your health.
But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
Waste is worse than loss. The time is coming when every person who lays claim to ability will keep the question of waste before him constantly. The scope of thrift is limitless.
If a thing is old, it is a sign that it was fit to live. Old families, old customs, old styles survive because they are fit to survive. The guarantee of continuity is quality. Submerge the good in a flood of the new, and good will come back to join the good which the new brings with it. Old-fashioned hospitality, old-fashioned politeness, old-fashioned honor in business had qualities of survival. These will come back.
The Devil is easy to identify. He appears when you're terribly tired and makes a very reasonable request which you know you shouldn't grant.
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