Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others. Samuel Smiles More Quotes by Samuel Smiles More Quotes From Samuel Smiles Though an inheritance of acres may be bequeathed, an inheritance of knowledge and wisdom cannot. The wealthy man may pay others for doing his work for him; but it is impossible to get his thinking done for him by another, or to purchase any kind of self-culture. Samuel Smiles self men thinking It is a grand old name, that of gentleman, and has been recognized as a rank and power in all stages of society. To possess this character is a dignity of itself, commanding the instinctive homage of every generous mind, and those who will not bow to titular rank will yet do homage to the gentleman. His qualities depend not upon fashion or manners, but upon moral worth; not on personal possessions, but on personal qualities. Samuel Smiles personal-qualities fashion character The reason why so little is done, is generally because so little is attempted. Samuel Smiles done reason-why littles Progress however, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step. Samuel Smiles moving-on perseverance success If we opened our minds to enjoyment, we might find tranquil pleasures spread about us on every side. We might live with the angels that visit us on every sunbeam, and sit with the fairies who wait on every flower. Samuel Smiles angel flower waiting The work of many of the greatest men, inspired by duty, has been done amidst suffering and trial and difficulty. They have struggled against the tide, and reached the shore exhausted. Samuel Smiles suffering work men Childhood is like a mirror, which reflects in after life the images first presented to it. Samuel Smiles childhood mirrors children Luck whines; labor whistles. Samuel Smiles luck labor "Where there is a will there is a way" is an old true saying. He who resolves upon doing a thing, by that very resolution often scales the barriers to it and secures its achievement. To think we are able is almost to be so - to determine upon attainment is frequently attainment itself. Samuel Smiles achievement able thinking Obedience, submission, discipline, courage--these are among the characteristics which make a man. Samuel Smiles obedience discipline men Riches do not constitute any claim to distinction. It is only the vulgar who admire riches as riches. Samuel Smiles riches distinction claims It will generally be found that men who are constantly lamenting their ill luck are only reaping the consequences of their own neglect, mismanagement, and improvidence, or want of application. Samuel Smiles effectiveness inspirational men There are many persons of whom it may be said that they have no other possession in the world but their character, and yet they stand as firmly upon it as any crowned king. Samuel Smiles kings character world Although genius always commands admiration, character most secures respect. The former is more the product of the brain, the latter of heart-power; and in the long run it is the heart that rules in life. Samuel Smiles heart running character Self-control is only courage under another form. It may also be regarded as the primary essence of character. Samuel Smiles essence self character It is energy - the central element of which is will - that produces the miracle that is enthusiasm in all ages. Everywhere it is what is called force of character and the sustaining power of all great action Samuel Smiles success character life It is the close observation of little things which is the secret of success in business, in art, in science, and in every pursuit in life. Human knowledge is but an accumulation of small facts made by successive generations of men--the little bits of knowledge and experience carefully treasured up by them growing at length into a mighty pyramid. Samuel Smiles pyramids men art Biographies of great, but especially of good men are most instructive and useful as helps, guides, and incentives to others. Some of the best are almost equivalent to gospels,--teaching high living ,high thinking, and energetic action, for their own and, the world's good. Samuel Smiles teaching men thinking All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. But all play and no work makes him something worse. Samuel Smiles play boys dull The path of success in business is invariably the path of common-sense. Nothwithstanding all that is said about "lucky hits," the best kind of success in every man's life is not that which comes by accident. The only "good time coming" we are justified in hoping for is that which we are capable of making for ourselves. Samuel Smiles common-sense success men
