For we have thought the longer thoughts
And gone the shorter way.
And we have danced to devil’s tunes
Shivering home to pray;
I take you now and for always,
For always is always now.
—Philip Larkin (1922–85) English Poet, Librarian, Novelist
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
—John F. Kennedy (1917–63) American Head of State, Journalist
The worth of every conviction consists precisely in the steadfastness with which it is held.
—Jane Addams (1860–1935) American Social Reformer, Feminist
I have brought myself by long meditation to the conviction that a human being with a settled purpose must accomplish it, and that nothing can resist a will which will stake even existence upon its fulfillment.
—Benjamin Disraeli (1804–81) British Head of State
Morale is the greatest single factor in successful wars.
—Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) American Head of State, Military Leader
Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.
—Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–78) Swiss-born French Philosopher
I don’t want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.
—George Balanchine (1904–83) Russian-Born American Choreographer, Actor
I sincerely wish war was a pleasanter and easier business than it is, but it does not admit of holidays.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
The difference between ‘involvement’ and ‘commitment’ is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was ‘involved’ – the pig was ‘committed’.
—Anonymous
The man who sees both sides of an issue is very likely on the fence or up a tree.
—Unknown
Objectives are not fate; they are direction. They are not commands; they are commitments. They do not determine the future; they are means to mobilize the resources and energies of the business for the making of the future.
—Peter Drucker (1909–2005) Austrian-born Management Consultant
If a task is once begun
Never leave it till it’s done.
Be the labor great or small
Do it well or not at all.
—Anonymous
When you have decided what you believe, what you feel must be done, have the courage to stand alone and be counted.
—Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American First Lady, Diplomat, Humanitarian
The greatest trouble with most of us is that our demands upon ourselves are so feeble, the call upon the great within of us so weak and intermittent that it makes no impression upon the creative energies; it lacks the force that transmutes desires into realities.
—Orison Swett Marden (1850–1924) American New Thought Writer, Physician, Entrepreneur
What distinguishes the majority of men from the few is their inability to act according to their beliefs.
—Henry Miller (1891–1980) American Novelist
Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.
—Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) British Head of State
There are only two creatures of value on the face of the earth: those with the commitment, and those who require the commitment of others.
—John Adams (1735–1826) 2nd US President, Founding Father, Statesman
Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.
—Marcia Wieder
It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow.
—Ralph Ellison (1914–1994) American Novelist
There’s no abiding success without commitment.
—Tony Robbins (b.1960) American Self-Help Author, Entrepreneur
I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.
—Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–68) American Civil Rights Leader, Clergyman
Anyone can dabble, but once you’ve made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it’s very hard for people to stop you.
—Bill Cosby (b.1937) American Actor, Comedian, Activist, Producer, Author
A man with a half volition goes backwards and forwards, and makes no way on the smoothest road; a man with a whole volition advances on the roughest, and will reach his purpose, if there be even a little worthiness in it. The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder – a waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life and having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you.
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish Historian, Essayist
Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.
—George S. Patton (1885–1945) American Military Leader
The relationship between commitment and doubt is by no means an antagonistic one. Commitment is healthiest when it’s not without doubt but in spite of doubt.
—Rollo May (1909–94) American Philosopher
If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag.
—Unknown
You don’t know what pressure is until you’ve played for five dollars a hole with only two in your pocket.
—Lee Trevino (b.1939) American Golfer, Commentator
There is no strong performance without a little fascination in the performer.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The loftiest edifices need the deepest foundations.
—George Santayana (1863–1952) Spanish-American Poet, Philosopher
The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Football Coach
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