Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of commitment and earnestness in all endeavors, regardless of their scale.
In this quote, Charles Dickens conveys that sincerity and dedication are essential qualities in pursuing any goal in life. He highlights the value of putting one's whole heart into both significant ambitions and smaller tasks, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from being fully engaged in whatever one chooses to do.
In practice
Use this quote in a motivational speech to inspire dedication among team members.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it.
All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath--so what does that make today worth?
What I told [my teammates] after the game was I'm just fortunate [for] my 16 years because, this [injury] can happen every single night you go out and play... It can be over in one instant, so you should appreciate everyday.
I've been praying to God to show me how to forgive myself. Because... maybe... that's the thing I've been searching for.
It seemed cruel for a day to dawn so fair and end so foul as this one promised to.
I do not choose that my grave should be dug while I am still alive.
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