Belief Quote by Ferdinand de Lesseps
““Since 1849 I have studied incessantly, under all its aspects, a question which was already in my mind since 1832. I confess that my scheme is still a mere dream, and I do not shut my eyes to the fact that so long as I alone believe it to be possible, it is virtually impossible. ... The scheme in question is the cutting of a canal through the Isthmus of Suez. This has been thought of from the earliest historical times, and for that very reason is looked upon as impracticable. Geographical dictionaries inform us indeed that the project would have been executed long ago but for insurmountable obstacles. [On his inspiration for the Suez Canal.]””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Suez Canal Vision, 1850s
He describes his lifelong obsession with building the Suez Canal, acknowledging its near‑impossible status while persisting in belief.
In simple terms: He dreams of a canal despite doubts.
Key Takeaway
Persist despite odds.
Themes
vision
persistence
engineering
history
Mood
determined
hopeful
reflective
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- national infrastructure planning
- global trade routes
- large‑scale engineering projects
Key Concepts
canal construction
geopolitics
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- What obstacles can belief alone overcome?
- How do collective efforts change “impossible” projects?
A Different Perspective
The project’s success depended on political and technical breakthroughs beyond a single individual’s belief.
