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Courage Quote by Margaret Mitchell

“Ellen had never told her that desire and attainment were two different matters; life had not taught her that the race was not to the swift. She lay in the silvery shadows with courage rising and made the plans that a sixteen-year-old makes when life has been so pleasant that defeat is an…” quote by Margaret Mitchell
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““Ellen had never told her that desire and attainment were two different matters; life had not taught her that the race was not to the swift. She lay in the silvery shadows with courage rising and made the plans that a sixteen-year-old makes when life has been so pleasant that defeat is an impossibility and a pretty dress and a clear complexion are weapons to vanquish fate.””

Margaret Mitchell

About This Quote

Source Novel: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, 1936

A young woman, unaware of life's complexities, assumes success comes easily, using superficial assets as protection.

In simple terms: Naïve confidence can be fragile.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate realistic expectations.

Themes

confidence naïveté growth

Mood

hopeful critical

Type

inspirational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • adolescence
  • career planning
  • relationships

Key Concepts

psychology social expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true strength look like?
  • How can humility improve outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Overconfidence may blind one to real challenges.

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