Dare to begin! He who postpones living rightly is like the rustic who waits for the river to run out before he crosses.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
We ought to face our destiny with courage.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
Many a man has walked up to the opportunity for which he has long been preparing himself, looked it full in the face, and then begun to get cold feet … when it comes to betting on yourself and your power to do the thing you know you must do or write yourself down a failure, you’re a chicken-livered coward if you hesitate.
—B. C. Forbes (1880–1954) Scottish-born American Journalist, Publisher
Imposing limitations on yourself is cowardly because it protects you from having to try, and perhaps failing.
—Vladimir K. Zworykin (1889–1982) Russian-born American Physicist, Television Pioneer
What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?
—Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) Dutch Painter
To believe a business impossible is the way to make it so. How many feasible projects have miscarried through despondency, and been strangled in their birth by a cowardly imagination.
—Jeremy Collier (1650–1726) Anglican Church Historian, Clergyman
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Courage has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated. Begin it and the work is completed.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
—Common Proverb
You can surmount the obstacles in your path if you are determined, courageous and hard-working. Never be fainthearted. Be resolute, but never bitter … Permit no one to dissuade you from pursuing the goals you set for yourselves. Do not fear to pioneer, to venture down new paths of endeavor.
—Ralph Bunche (1903–71) American Political Scientist, Diplomat
It’s weak and despicable to go on wanting things and not trying to get them.
—Marion Milner (‘Joanna Field’) (1900–98) British Writer, Psychoanalyst
My message to you is: Be courageous! I have lived a long time. I have seen history repeat itself again and again. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has come out stronger and more prosperous. Be as brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward.
—Thomas Edison (1847–1931) American Inventor, Scientist, Entrepreneur
The brave venture anything.
—Unknown
We need the courage to start and continue what we should do, and courage to stop what we shouldn’t do.
—Richard L. Evans (1906–71) American Mormon Religions Leader
Remember that life is neither pain nor pleasure; it is serious business, to be entered upon with courage and in a spirit of self-sacrifice.
—Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–59) French Historian, Political Scientist
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