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
The work of many of the greatest men, inspired by duty, has been done amidst suffering and trial and difficulty. They have struggled against the tide, and reached the shore exhausted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Great achievements often come from enduring hardship and perseverance.
This quote by Samuel Smiles emphasizes that the accomplishments of many remarkable individuals are not merely the result of talent or opportunity, but are instead forged through perseverance in the face of adversity. It highlights the notion that true success involves overcoming challenges and enduring suffering, leading to a profound sense of fulfillment despite the trials faced along the journey.
Themes
AchievementPerseveranceAdversitySuccessStruggleInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a commencement speech to motivate graduates facing uncertain futures.
More from Samuel Smiles
All quotes →Hope 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
Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.
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
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If you want a thing--truly want it, want it so badly that you need it as you need air to breathe, then unless you die, you will have it. Why not? It has you. There is no escape. What a cruel and terrible thing escape would be if escape were possible
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If it's important to you and you want to do it 'eventually', just do it and correct course along the way.
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I am hellbent on defying your expectations, at every turn, and even if you don't like what's being done, I dare you to find it uninteresting.
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