Alas! we are the sport of destiny.
—William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–63) English Novelist
How easy ’tis, when Destiny proves kind, With full-spread sails to run before the wind.
—John Dryden (1631–1700) English Poet, Literary Critic, Playwright
Lots of folks confuse bad management with destiny.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.
—Jim Rohn (1930–2009) American Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker
He that is born to be hanged shall never be drowned.
—French Proverb
To accomplish our destiny it is not enough to merely guard prudently against road accidents. We must also cover before nightfall the distance assigned to each of us.
—Alexis Carrel (1873–1944) American Surgeon, Biologist
How true it is that our destinies are decided by nothings and that a small imprudence helped by some insignificant accident, as an acorn is fertilized by a drop of rain, may raise the trees on which perhaps we and others shall be crucified.
—Henri Frederic Amiel (1821–81) Swiss Moral Philosopher, Poet, Critic
The destiny of any nation at any given time depends on the opinion of its young people, those under twenty-five.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
As you think, you travel, and as you love, you attract. You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.
—James Lane Allen (1849–1925) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
And the high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule, or to impose himself in any other way.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
One meets his destiny often in the road he takes to avoid it.
—French Proverb
The warrior of the light has a destiny to fulfill.
—Paulo Coelho (b.1947) Brazilian Songwriter, Novelist
A consistent soul believes in destiny, a capricious one in chance.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Every man has his own destiny; the only imperative is to follow it, to accept it, no matter where it leads him.
—Henry Miller (1891–1980) American Novelist
Be fearless and pure; never waver in your determination or your dedication to the spiritual life. Give freely. Be self-controlled, sincere, truthful, loving, and full of the desire to serve…Learn to be detached and to take joy in renunciation. Do not get angry or harm any living creature, but be compassionate and gentle; show good will to all. Cultivate vigor, patience, will, purity; avoid malice and pride. Then, you will achieve your destiny.
—The Bhagavad Gita Hindu Scripture
There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919) American Poet, Journalist
No wind favors him who has no destined port.
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–92) French Essayist
Thoughts lead on to purpose, purpose leads onto actions, actions form habits, habits decide character, and character fixes our destiny.
—Tryon Edwards American Theologian
The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny – it is the light that guides your way.
—Heraclitus (535BCE–475BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher
I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.
—Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) French Theologian, Musician, Philosopher, Physician
What do I know of man’s destiny? I could tell you more about radishes.
—Samuel Beckett (1906–1989) Irish Novelist, Playwright
We sow our thoughts and reap our actions. We sow our actions and reap our habits. We sow our habits and reap our character. We sow our character, and we reap our destiny.
—Unknown
The destiny of man is in his own soul.
—Herodotus (c.485–425 BCE) Ancient Greek Historian
It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Journalist, Author
I must in the face of a storm, think, live and die as a king.
—Frederick II of Prussia (1712–86) Prussian Monarch
It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves; we are underlings.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Man supposes that he directs his life and governs his actions, when his existence is irretrievably under the control of destiny.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Blaming destiny is a poor out for those who don’t reach desired destinations.
—Malcolm S. Forbes (1919–1990) American Publisher, Businessperson
There is no such thing as chance; and what seems to us the merest accident springs from the deepest source of destiny.
—Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) German Poet, Dramatist
Man proposes, but God disposes.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer