Psychology Quote by C.S. Forester
““If one plan goes wrong there is need to make another, that is all. And, as for despair — there was no room for despair in Dodd’s make-up. The regiment had taught him that he must do his duty or die in the attempt; a simple enough religion fit for his simple mind. As long as there was breath in his body or a thought in his mind he must struggle on; as long as he went on trying there was no need to meditate on success or failure. The only reward for the doing of his duty would be the knowledge that his duty was being done.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The African Queen, 1935
Duty compels relentless effort despite uncertainty, valuing perseverance over outcome.
In simple terms: Keep trying regardless of success.
Key Takeaway
Persist in your duty.
Themes
duty
perseverance
resilience
Mood
determined
solemn
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- wartime service
- personal crises
- long‑term projects
Key Concepts
existentialism
military ethic
Questions to Reflect On
- What duties drive you forward?
- How do you balance effort with reflection?
A Different Perspective
May ignore the need for strategic adaptation.
