Whatever you do,strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet to be born could do it any better.
Interpretation
Strive for excellence in all your endeavors.
This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing excellence in every action we take. Benjamin E. Mays inspires individuals to put forth their utmost effort, suggesting that one should aim to achieve a level of skill and dedication that surpasses all predecessors and successors.
In practice
Use this quote when giving a speech on pursuing your passions.
The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream...It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin.
In this perilous world, if a black boy wanted to live a halfway normal life and die a natural death he had to learn early the art of how to get along with white folks.
It isn't more light we need, it isn't more truth, and it isn't more scientific data. It is more Christ, more courage, more spiritual insight to act on the light we have.
A child must learn early to believe that she is somebody worthwhile, and that she can do many praiseworthy things.
Many well-meaning intelligent people have argued since the May 17, 1954, decision of the United States Supreme Court outlawing segregation in the public schools that communication between the races has broken down.
He who starts behind in the great race of life must forever remain behind or run faster than the man in front.
I believe every person has the ability to achieve something important, and with that in mind I regard everyone as special.
There's always the motivation of wanting to win. Everybody has that. But a champion needs, in his attitude, a motivation above and beyond winning.
Most of us have never allowed ourselves to want what we truly want because we can't see how it's going to manifest.
If you can't do great things, do small things in a great way. Don't wait for great opportunities. Seize common, everyday ones and make them great.
Hard work beats all the tonics and vitamins in the world.
My story isn't over... This is just a new part of my life. My baby is going to be in the stands - hopefully cheering for me and not crying too much!
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