PERSEVERANCE.--The block of granite, which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak, becomes a stepping stone in the pathway of the strong.--CARLYLE.
It is all very well to tell me that a young man has distinguished himself by a brilliant first speech. He may go on, or he may be satisfied with his first triumph; but show me a young man who has not succeeded at first, and nevertheless has gone on, and I will back that young man to do better than most of those who have succeeded at the first trial.--CHARLES JAMES FOX.
I hold a doctrine, to which I owe not much, indeed, but all the little I ever had, namely, that with ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.--SIR T.F. BUXTON.
Those who would attain to any marked degree of excellence in a chosen pursuit must work, and work hard for it, prince or peasant.--BAYARD TAYLOR.
All the performances of human art, at which we look with praise or wonder, are instances of the resistless force of perseverance; it is by this that the quarry becomes a pyramid, and that distant countries are united by canals. If a man was to compare the effect of a single stroke of a pickaxe, or of one impression of the spade, with the general design and last result, he would be overwhelmed by the sense of their disproportion; yet those petty operations, incessantly continued, in time surmount the greatest difficulties, and mountains are levelled, and oceans bounded, by the slender force of human beings.--DR. JOHNSON.
Even in social life, it is persistency which attracts confidence, more than talents and accomplishments.--WHIPPLE.
A falling drop at last will carve a stone.--LUCRETIUS.
Attempt the end, and never stand to doubt; Nothing so hard but search will find it out. --LOVELACE.
It is interesting to notice how some minds seem almost to create themselves, springing up under every disadvantage, and working their solitary but irresistible way through a thousand obstacles. --WASHINGTON IRVING.
Press on! a better fate awaits thee.--VICTOR HUGO.
PHILOSOPHY.--True philosophy is that which renders us to ourselves, and all others who surround us, better, and at the same time more content, more patient, more calm and more ready for all decent and pure enjoyment.--LAVATER.