It is only after an unknown number of unrecorded labors, after a host of noble hearts have succumbed in discouragement, convinced that their cause is lost; it is only then that cause triumphs.
Interpretation
Success often comes after many unseen struggles and failures.
This quote by Francois Guizot highlights the dedication and perseverance required to achieve success. It suggests that many individuals labor tirelessly and face discouragement without recognition, yet it is their continuous efforts, often unnoticed, that eventually lead to the triumph of their cause. The essence of this message is that the path to success is fraught with challenges and sacrifices, and it is only through steadfast commitment that victory is ultimately achieved.
In practice
This quote can be used during a motivational speech to encourage students facing challenges in their studies.
I finished my first book seventy-six years ago. I offered it to every publisher on the English-speaking earth I had ever heard of. Their refusals were unanimous: and it did not get into print until, fifty years later; publishers would publish anything that had my name on it.
The giants of the race have been men of concentration, who have struck sledge-hammer blows in one place until they have accomplished their purpose. The successful men of today are men of one overmastering idea, one unwavering aim, men of single and intense purpose.
When I took up cricket seriously, I wanted to play for India. When my dream was achieved, I thought what next? Then a fellow cricketer told me, 'Playing for India is easy; playing for 10-15 years is difficult.' Then I changed my dream to play 100 Test matches. I achieved that as well. Now there is nothing to achieve, so I am just enjoying things.
I'm a basketball player. That's what I do and what I love but that's just not all who I am. I'm talented in a lot of different areas.
Despite the success cult, men are most deeply moved not by the reaching of the goal but by the grandness of the effort involved in getting there - or failing to get there.
I feel like I've given up a lot of my fantasies. I just want to do things differently, and to a lot of people that's annoying. I like weird stuff. I always hoped if we had a big success it would be on our own terms.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.