His designs were strictly honorable, as the phrase is; that is, to rob a lady of her fortune by way of marriage.
—Henry Fielding (1707–54) English Novelist, Dramatist
Fixedness of purpose is at the root of all successful efforts, whether in things worldly or spiritual, and without it man cannot be otherwise than wretched, and dependent upon others for that support which should be found within himself.
—James Allen (1864–1912) British Philosophical Writer
We need not only a purpose in life to give meaning to our existence but also something to give meaning to our suffering. We need as much something to suffer for as something to live for.
—Eric Hoffer (1902–83) American Philosopher, Author
In the real world, those of us who are most productive, successful, and satisfied focus not on fixing feelings or manipulating thoughts, but on what needs to be done—and then doing it—no matter what thoughts or feelings arise.
—Dan Millman (b.1946) American Children’s Books Writer, Sportsperson
Joy is but the sign that creative emotion is fulfilling its purpose.
—Charles Du Bos (1882–1939) French Literary Critic
I believe in human dignity as the source of national purpose, human liberty as the source of national action, the human heart as the source of national compassion, and in the human mind as the source of our invention and our ideas.
—John F. Kennedy (1917–63) American Head of State, Journalist
Be the change you want to see in the world.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
A person who won’t stand for something will fall for anything.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
Happiness is like a kiss… you must share it to enjoy it.
—Bernard Meltzer (1916–98) American Writer, Radio Host
For an athlete to function properly, he must be intent. There has to be a definite purpose and goal if you are to progress. If you are not intent about what you are doing, you aren’t able to resist the temptation to do something else that might be more fun at the moment.
—John Wooden (1910–2010) American Basketball Coach, Educator
I only wish I could work to some purpose … . I have no right to these easy comfortable days and our poor men suffering and dying thirsting in this hot sun and I so quiet here in want of nothing.
—Clara Barton (1821–1912) American Social Activist
All men should strive to learn, before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why.
—James Thurber
Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t.
—Richard Bach (b.1936) American Writer, Aviator
I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.
—The 14th Dalai Lama (b.1935) Tibetan Buddhist Leader, Civil Rights Advocate, Author
It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute… that gives meaning to our lives.
—Tony Robbins (b.1960) American Self-Help Author, Entrepreneur
What is the quality of your intent?
—Thurgood Marshall (1908–93) American Jurist
Man proposes, but God disposes.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer
Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.
—Marian Wright Edelman (b.1939) American Activist, Advocate
There is only one purpose for all of life, and that is for you and all that lives to experience fullest glory…everything else you say, think, or do is attendant to that function. There is nothing else for your soul to do, and nothing else your soul wants to do.
—Neale Donald Walsch (b.1943) American Spiritual Writer
Are we interested in sight seeing or soul saving?
—Unknown
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
—Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American Historian, Political Leader, Explorer
Say to yourself, ‘I’m here on purpose, I can accomplish anything I desire, and I do it by being in harmony with the all-pervading creative force in the universe.
—Wayne Dyer (1940–2015) American Self-Help Author
Everything in the universe has a purpose. Indeed, the invisible intelligence that flows through everything in a purposeful fashion is also flowing through you.
—Wayne Dyer (1940–2015) American Self-Help Author
One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.
—Jim Rohn (1930–2009) American Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker
All men seek one goal: success or happiness. The only way to achieve true success is to express yourself completely in service to society. First, have a definite, clear, practical ideal-a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends-wisdom, money, materials and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
You have to know what is right for you and go after it regardless of what others say.
—Les Brown
Giving is better than receiving because giving starts the receiving process.
—Jim Rohn (1930–2009) American Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker
My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I’m happy. I can’t figure it out. What am I doing right?
—Charles M. Schulz (1922–2000) American Cartoonist, Writer, Artist
In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
We all have two choices: We can make a living or we can design a life.
—Jim Rohn (1930–2009) American Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker
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