If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying, “Here comes number seventy-one!”
—Richard DeVos (1926–2018) American Businessman, Philanthropist
Perseverance gives power to weakness, and opens to poverty the world’s wealth. It spreads fertility over the barren landscape, and bids the choicest fruits and flowers spring up and flourish in the desert abode of thorns and briers.
—Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1793–1860) American Publisher, Writer
Progress however, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step.
—Samuel Smiles (1812–1904) British Author, Reformer
Endure and persist; this pain will turn to good by and by.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
One should act in consonance with the way of heaven and earth, which is enduring and eternal. The superior man perseveres long in his course, adapts to the times, but remains firm in his direction and correct in his goals.
—I Ching Ancient Chinese Divination Text
The most essential factor is persistence—the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.
—James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916) American Children’s Books Writer, Poet, Writer
He who labors diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labor.
—Menander (c.343–c.291 BCE) Greek Comic Dramatist, Poet
I am a kind of burr; I shall stick.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Endurance is the crowning quality, and patience all the passion of great hearts.
—James Russell Lowell (1819–91) American Poet, Critic
Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel.
—Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) American Author, Journalist, Attorney, Lecturer
If you get up one more time than you fall you will make it through.
—Chinese Proverb
Never say die.
—Common Proverb
Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation.
—Jack Nicklaus (b.1940) American Sportsperson
We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
This lady is not for turning.
—Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) British Head of State
Nearly every man who develops an idea works at it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then gets discouraged. That’s not the place to become discouraged.
—Thomas Edison (1847–1931) American Inventor, Scientist, Entrepreneur
The man who does more than he is paid for will soon be paid for more than he does.
—Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) American Author, Journalist, Attorney, Lecturer
The drop of rain maketh a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling.
—Hugh Latimer (c.1485–1555) English Reformation Martyr
If you are truly flexible and go until… there is really very little you can’t accomplish in your lifetime.
—Tony Robbins (b.1960) American Self-Help Author, Entrepreneur
You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.
—Nancie J. Carmody
Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, Grow, Grow”.”
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
The most interesting thing about a postage stamp is the persistence with which it sticks to its job.
—Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) American Author, Journalist, Attorney, Lecturer
When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you till it seems as if you could n’t hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that ‘s just the place and time that the tide ‘ll turn. Never trust to prayer without using every means in your power, and never use the means without trusting in prayer.
—Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–96) American Abolitionist, Author
Success requires persistence, the ability to not give up in the face of failure. I believe that optimistic explanatory style is the key to persistence.
—Martin Seligman (b.1942) American Psychologist, Author
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82) American Poet, Educator, Academic
Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure.
—Edward Eggleston (1837–1902) American Historian, Novelist
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won’t.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
Continuous, unflagging effort, persistence and determination will win. Let not the man be discouraged who has these.
—James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916) American Children’s Books Writer, Poet, Writer
He conquers who endures.
—Persius (34–62 CE) Roman Satirist
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