Badness you can get easily, in quantity; the road is…
“Badness you can get easily, in quantity; the road is smooth, and it lies close by, But in front of excellence the immortal gods have put sweat, and long and steep is the way to it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excellence demands hard work and perseverance, unlike easy but abundant badness that lies nearby.
In simple terms: Greatness requires effort; mediocrity is easy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace struggle to achieve excellence.
Themes
ethics
effort
excellence
hardship
Mood
determined
inspired
Type
motivational
practical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- athletic training
- academic study
- personal development
Key Concepts
virtue
self‑discipline
goal‑setting
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- What obstacles might you face on the path to excellence?
- How can you sustain motivation during steep challenges?
A Different Perspective
Hard work may not guarantee success due to external factors.