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“How
to Develop Self-Confidence
In Speech and Manner” eBook Online Version
--Lyman Abbott.
As to moral courage, I have very rarely met with the two-o 'clock-in-the-morning courage. I mean, unprepared courage, that which is necessary on an unexpected occasion, and which, in spite of the most unforeseen events, leaves full freedom of judgment and decision.--Napoleon.
For they can conquer who believe they can--Dryden.
Confidence imparts a wondrous inspiration to its possessor. It bears him on in security, either to meet no danger, or to find matter of glorious trial.--Milton.
Under what shining colors does Demosthenes represent Philip; where the orator apologizes for his own administration, and justifies that pertinacious love of liberty, with which he had inspired the Athenians. '' I beheld Philip,'' says he,'' he with whom was your contest, resolutely, while in pursuit of empire and dominion, exposing himself to every wound; his eye gored, his neck wrested, his arm, his thigh pierced, whatever part of his body fortune should seize on, that cheerfully relinquishing; provided that, with what remained, he might live in honor and renown. And shall it be said that he, born in Pella, a place heretofore mean and ignoble, should be inspired with so high an ambition and thirst of fame: while you, Athenians," etc. These praises excite the most lively admiration; but the views presented by the orator carry us not, we see, beyond the hero himself, nor ever regard the future advantageous consequences of his valor.--Hume.
A decent boldness ever meets with friends.--Homer.
Courage is the armed sentinel that guards liberty, innocence and right.--Anon.
Hardly less than mental ability are bodily health and vigor necessary to success. In the learned professions, especially, great constitutional strength and power of endurance are absolutely indispensable. The demand on the vitality of a successful clergyman, lawyer, doctor, architect, or engineer, is continuous and exhausting. Talents alone, however fine, will not insure success. The ax may be sharp, and may be "driven home" with the utmost force; but the power of dealing reiterated and prolonged blows is equally needful. In other words, the mind may be keen, carefully cultured, and full of knowledge and resources; but, to achieve great results it must be capable of sustained energy--of intense and long-continued labor.--William Mathews.
If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon our immortal minds, if we imbue them with principles-- with the just fear of God and our fellow man--we engrave on those tablets something which will brighten to all eternity.--Daniel Webster.
Before putting yourself in peril, it is necessary to foresee and fear it; but when one is there, nothing remains but to despise it.--Fenelon.
In ordinary life a man who is unwatchful, wavering, unmanly, and weak, achieves nothing, gains neither respect nor confidence, and, if he does not become an absolute wreck, is still as nothing but a piece of driftwood floating aimlessly down the stream of life, and carried whithersoever chance currents may direct its course. Such a life accomplishes nothing for its possessor, and no man is helped or bettered by it. It may not be marked—probably it will not be--by any great crime or wickedness, but its very barrenness and uselessness are crimes, and it simply cumbers the earth until its end is reached. Dangers and temptations not watched against, and therefore carelessly yielded to, must leave blots and defects, to say no more, that long years of sorrow and effort may not wholly remove and cure. Opportunities suffered, through lack of watchfulness, to pass by unheeded and unused, are not likely to occur again.--Rowland Williams.
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