Throughout human history, in any great endeavour requiring the common effort of many nations and men and women everywhere, we have learned - it is only through seriousness of purpose and persistence that we ultimately carry the day. We might liken it to riding a bicycle. You stay upright and move forward so long as you keep up the momentum.
Interpretation
Success in achieving great goals requires determination and sustained effort.
Ban Ki-Moon's quote underscores the importance of dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of significant achievements. He compares this journey to riding a bicycle, suggesting that just as one must maintain momentum to stay upright on a bike, individuals and nations must keep their focus and efforts aligned to achieve their common goals.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire a team during a challenging project.
Nuclear terrorism is one of the most serious threats of our time. Even one such attack could inflict mass casualties and create immense suffering and unwanted change in the world forever. This prospect should compel all of us to act to prevent such a catastrophe.
We have international standards regulating everything from t-shirts to toys to tomatoes. There are international regulations for furniture. That means there are common standards for the global trade in armchairs but not the global trade in arms.
Weapons of mass destruction violate more than individual lives - they cross international borders and jeopardize all people. They also drain resources that could be used instead for medicines, schools and other life-saving supplies. We must come together with even greater determination to prevent a WMD nightmare.
By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect. By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society.
Freedom is a timeless value. The United Nations Charter calls for encouraging respect for fundamental freedoms. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions freedom more than twenty times. All countries have committed to protecting individual freedoms on paper - but in practice, too many break their pledge.
Around the world, climate change is an existential threat - but if we harness the opportunities inherent in addressing climate change, we can reap enormous economic benefits.
Perseverance is more than endurance. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen.
I don't think you can create anything interesting from a comfort zone. You have to work from a place of fear and failure.
Every time you take a risk or move out of your comfort zone, you have a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and your capacity.
We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.
Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.
Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough
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