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Courses Quote by Maltbie Davenport Babcock

“One of the commonest mistakes and one of the costliest is thinking that success is due to some genius, some magic - something or other which we do not possess. Success is generally due to holding on, and failure to letting go. You decide to learn a language, study music, take a course of reading…” quote by Maltbie Davenport Babcock
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“One of the commonest mistakes and one of the costliest is thinking that success is due to some genius, some magic - something or other which we do not possess. Success is generally due to holding on, and failure to letting go. You decide to learn a language, study music, take a course of reading, train yourself physically. Will it be success or failure? It depends upon how much pluck and perseverance that word decide contains. The decision that nothing can overrule, the grip that nothing can detach will bring success.”

Maltbie Davenport Babcock

About This Quote

Success stems from perseverance and the willingness to let go, not from innate genius or magic.

In simple terms: Perseverance, not talent, drives success.

Key Takeaway

Persist and release obstacles.

Themes

perseverance growth mindset

Mood

determined encouraging

Type

motivational practical

When to use this quote

  • learning a skill
  • training physically
  • pursuing education

Key Concepts

resilience effort letting go

Questions to Reflect On

  • What habits reinforce persistence?
  • When should you consider letting go of a failing approach?
A Different Perspective

If circumstances are unsupportive, perseverance alone may not suffice.

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