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, 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.”
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.
Persist and release obstacles.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- learning a skill
- training physically
- pursuing education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits reinforce persistence?
- When should you consider letting go of a failing approach?
If circumstances are unsupportive, perseverance alone may not suffice.