Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.
Samuel SmilesRead
Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom comes from careful observation and persistent effort.
This quote emphasizes that wisdom and understanding are not innate gifts but are acquired through diligent observation, focused attention, and persistent effort along oneβs life journey. It suggests that the path to gaining knowledge is marked by hard work and a commitment to learning from experiences.
Themes
WisdomKnowledgeObservationPerseveranceEffort
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a graduation speech to inspire students about the value of hard work and learning.
More from Samuel Smiles
All quotes βHope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.
Samuel SmilesRead
The career of a great man remains an enduring monument of human energy. The man dies and disappears, but his thoughts and acts survive and leave an indelible stamp upon his race.
Samuel SmilesRead
An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.
Samuel SmilesRead
If we opened our minds to enjoyment, we might find tranquil pleasures spread about us on every side. We might live with the angels that visit us on every sunbeam, and sit with the fairies who wait on every flower.
Samuel SmilesRead
The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual.
Samuel SmilesRead
Similar quotes
The best use of history is as an inoculation against radical expectations, and hence against embittering disappointments.
George WillRead
The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
Thomas SzaszRead
Worrying is like paying a debt you don't owe.
Mark TwainRead
We are even higher than the heavens, we are greater than angels; Why should we not transcend both? Our lodging-place is Majesty.
RumiRead
If one has a good disposition, what other virtue is needed? If a man has fame, what is the value of other ornamentation?
ChanakyaRead
If you make your prayers an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessings you already have, instead of requests for things you do not have, you will obtain results much faster.
Napoleon HillRead