Determination of goals is one of the most essential sources of strength in character, and also one of the key instruments for success. Without it, even geniuses will labor in vain amidst the contradictory and uncertain paths of life.
If one wishes to master a skill deeply, a iron pestle can be ground into a needle. — Cao Xue, Shu Zhong Guang Ji · Shang Chuan Nan Dao Peng Shan County
Great achievements are not accomplished by strength, speed, or physical agility, but by the power of character, will, and knowledge.
Even if one were in heaven, it would not be pleasant to wander alone through those great and sacred celestial palaces without a companion. — Asytas
The journey of life is long, and the road ahead is dark. Yet one should not be afraid; only before those who are not afraid does the path appear. — Lu Xun
Success is distributed probabilistically; the key is whether you can persist until the moment success begins to manifest.
Sincere effort can move even metal and stone. — Book of the Later Han · Biography of the Ten Kings of Guangwu
In all matters, think thrice, but more important than thinking thrice is to act after thinking thrice.
For those who seek to examine the hearts of others, Plato requires three qualities: knowledge, benevolence, and courage. — Montaigne
Stone may be broken, but its hardness cannot be taken away; cinnabar may be ground, but its redness cannot be taken away. — Lüshi Chunqiu · Cheng Lian
Worry and labor can establish a nation, while ease and pleasure can lead to self-destruction. — New History of the Five Dynasties · Preface to the Biography of the Entertainer
If pleasure lies in bodily gratification, then one must say that a cow is pleased when it finds grass to eat. — Heraclitus
Those who accomplished great deeds in antiquity not only possessed extraordinary talent, but also the unyielding will to persevere. — Su Shi
In times of crisis, one sees the loyalty of ministers; in times of chaos, one recognizes the faithful. — Bao Zhao, Imitating the Song of Departing from Jibei Gate
Life is like climbing a mountain, and finding a way out is a process of realization. We should, in this process, learn stability and calmness, and learn how to find vitality amidst panic. — Xi Murong
Your choice is to do or not to do, but if you do not act, there will never be an opportunity.
If one's will is not strong, one's wisdom will not reach its full potential. — Mozi · Self-Cultivation
