What I cannot do now is the sign of what I shall do hereafter. The sense of impossibility is the beginning of all possibilities. Because this temporal universe was a paradox and an impossibility, therefore the Eternal created it out of His being.
—Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) Indian Mystic, Philosopher, Poet
The object of war is to survive it.
—John Irving (b.1942) American Modern Novelist
I have always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.
—Lily Tomlin (b.1939) American Comedy Actress
Who shoots at the midday sun, though sure he shall never hit the mark, yet sure he is that he shall shoot higher than he who aims but at a bush.
—Philip Sidney (1554–86) English Soldier Poet, Courtier
Aim at heaven, and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth, and you will get neither.
—C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) Irish-British Academic, Author, Literary Scholar
I consider a goal as a journey rather than a destination. And each year I set a new goal.
—Curtis L. Carlson (1914–99) American Businessman
The highest principles for our aspirations and judgements are given to us in the Jewish-Christian religious tradition. It is a very high goal which, with our weak powers, we can reach only very inadequately, but which gives a sure foundation to our aspirations and valuations.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
I don’t care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don’t harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you’re never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
Whatever you do, do it with intelligence, and keep the end in view.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer
Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings.
—Charles Douglas Jackson (1902–64) American Military Leader
I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.
—Og Mandino (1923–96) American Self-Help Author
Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
—Louisa May Alcott (1832–88) American Novelist
The only thing that has to be finished by next Tuesday is next Monday.
—Jennifer Yane
The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams.
—Og Mandino (1923–96) American Self-Help Author
Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Never try to catch two frogs with one hand.
—Chinese Proverb
Establishing goals is all right if you don’t let them deprive you of interesting detours.
—Doug Larson (1926–2017) American Columnist
Those who cannot tell what they desire or expect, still sigh and struggle with indefinite thoughts and vast wishes.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Not all who wander are lost.
—J. R. R. Tolkien (1892–1973) British Scholar, Author
Part of the issue of achievement is to be able to set realistic goals, but that’s one of the hardest things to do because you don’t always know exactly where you’re going, and you shouldn’t.
—George Lucas (b.1944) American Director, Producer, Screenwriter
If you don’t know where you are going, every road will get you nowhere.
—Henry Kissinger (1923–2023) American Diplomat, Academician
When we have passed beyond willings, then we shall have Power. Effort was the helper; Effort is the bar.
—Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) Indian Mystic, Philosopher, Poet
We aim above the mark to hit the mark.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The question isn’t “who is going to let me”; it’s “who is going to stop me”.
—Ayn Rand (1905–82) Russian-born American Novelist, Philosopher
Thy destiny is only that of man, but thy aspirations may be those of a god.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured and far away. It is not important that he should mature as soon as an apple tree or an oak.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
In the blood of the martyrs to intolerance are the seeds of unbelief.
—Walter Lippmann (1889–1974) American Journalist, Political Commentator
There are two ways of attaining an important end, force and perseverance; the silent power of the latter grows irresistible with time.
—Sophie Swetchine (1782–1857) Russian Mystic, Writer
Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.
—Japanese Proverb
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