--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Life's journey is not traveled on a…" description: "\"Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/27f/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_life-s-journey-is-not-traveled-on-a-free_2142693.jpg" --- # Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of… ![“Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes.' Decisions do determine…” quote by Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/27f/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_life-s-journey-is-not-traveled-on-a-free_2142693.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/27f/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_life-s-journey-is-not-traveled-on-a-free_2142693.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/27f/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_life-s-journey-is-not-traveled-on-a-free_2142693.jpg) > “Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes.' Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be.” [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Life presents many obstacles and choices; courage is required to say both “no” and “yes,” shaping destiny. **In simple terms:** Courage needed for decisions. Key Takeaway Choose boldly. Themes courage decision‑making destiny obstacles choice Mood reflective determined Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - career crossroads - personal relationships - ethical dilemmas - creative projects Key Concepts free will moral agency risk assessment Questions to Reflect On - What decision are you avoiding? - How does saying “no” empower you? A Different Perspective Courage alone cannot guarantee success; external factors matter. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decision/) [Decision making](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decision-making/) [Destiny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/destiny/) [Journey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/journey/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life'S Journey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-s-journey/) [Obstacles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacles/) [Pathways](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pathways/) [Pitfalls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pitfalls/) [Travel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/travel/) ## Related quotes > [Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-clement-stone-2/have-the-courage-to-say-no-have-the-courage-to-face-the-truth-do-the/) W Clement Stone > [May we muster courage at the crossroads, courage for the conflicts, courage to say, "no," courage to say, "yes," for courage counts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/may-we-muster-courage-at-the-crossroads-courage-for-the-conflicts/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [The courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine Destiny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/the-courage-to-say-no-the-courage-to-say-yes-decisions-do-determine/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“One of the most powerful opponents of happiness is indeed fear. Unfortunately, the chains that bind people to their comfortable mediocrity are the same…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rossana-condoleo/one-of-the-most-powerful-opponents-of-happiness-is-indeed-fear/) [Rossana Condoleo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rossana-condoleo/) > [We ought to face our destiny with courage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/we-ought-to-face-our-destiny-with-courage/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/so-to-all-americans-in-every-city-near-and-far-small-and-large-from/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [If justice is done, the courage not needed anymore.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/danial-hakim/if-justice-is-done-the-courage-not-needed-anymore/) [Danial Hakim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/danial-hakim/) > [Every serious-minded person knows that a large part of the effort required in moral discipline consists in the courage needed to acknowledge the unpleasant…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dewey/every-serious-minded-person-knows-that-a-large-part-of-the-effort/) [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) > [“Safe Spaces The courage needed to come forward in today's society is far beyond what should be. We all need to create safe, private…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-donelson/safe-spaces-the-courage-needed-to-come-forward-in-today-s-society-is/) William Donelson > [You’ve just mentioned the price that has to be paid…Pride, freedom…Knowledge. Whether at the beginning or at the end, you have to pay for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arturo-p-rez-reverte/you-ve-just-mentioned-the-price-that-has-to-be-paid-pride-freedom/) [Arturo Pérez-Reverte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arturo-p-rez-reverte/) > [“Ardent believers hide within the safety of their absolutes, for much more courage is needed to abandon their cozy security for the questioning of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/galen-watson/ardent-believers-hide-within-the-safety-of-their-absolutes-for-much/) [Galen Watson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/galen-watson/) > [“Uncommon Courage When I needed the Lord, I looked for Him; I called out to Him, and He heard me and responded. He came…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carey-scott/uncommon-courage-when-i-needed-the-lord-i-looked-for-him-i-called-out/) [Carey Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carey-scott/) > [“No courage is needed if there is no fear, after all,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-balogh/no-courage-is-needed-if-there-is-no-fear-after-all/) [Mary Balogh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-balogh/) > [Such decisions will be far reaching and difficult. But you never lacked courage in the past. Your courage is now needed for the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerry-adams/such-decisions-will-be-far-reaching-and-difficult-but-you-never/) [Gerry Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerry-adams/) > [We all live in the same house, we all must be part of the effort to hold down our little house. When you see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lewis/we-all-live-in-the-same-house-we-all-must-be-part-of-the-effort-to/) [John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lewis/) ## More by Thomas S. Monson > [I know that God loves us. He allows us to exercise our moral agency even when we misuse it. He permits us to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-know-that-god-loves-us-he-allows-us-to-exercise-our-moral-agency/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“Some find it difficult to withstand the mocking and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God’s commands. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/some-find-it-difficult-to-withstand-the-mocking-and-unsavory-remarks/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [Choose your love, Love your choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/choose-your-love-love-your-choice/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [I ask you to make INSTITUTE a PRIORITY.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-ask-you-to-make-institute-a-priority/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [Those who grieve frequently find themselves alone. Missed is the laughter of children, the commotion of teenagers, and the tender, loving concern of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/those-who-grieve-frequently-find-themselves-alone-missed-is-the/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [I hope with all my heart and soul that every young man who receives the priesthood will honor that priesthood and be true to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-hope-with-all-my-heart-and-soul-that-every-young-man-who-receives/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“Forgiveness should go hand in hand with love. In our families, as well as with our friends, there can be hurt feelings and disagreements.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/forgiveness-should-go-hand-in-hand-with-love-in-our-families-as-well/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/born-in-a-stable-cradled-in-a-manger-he-came-forth-from-heaven-to/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“A happy home is but and earlier Heaven.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/a-happy-home-is-but-and-earlier-heaven/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends forth to you an earnest appeal. Open your doors to the missionaries. Open your minds…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-sends-forth-to-you-an/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [This is my philosophy on all life, not just when it comes to love. All the best things are terrifying, but that's why they're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/this-is-my-philosophy-on-all-life-not-just-when-it-comes-to-love-all/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness... We are the Lord’s hands here…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/we-are-surrounded-by-those-in-need-of-our-attention-our-encouragement/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [You have a heritage honor it. You have posses a testimony share it. You will face temptations withstand it. You know the truth live…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/you-have-a-heritage-honor-it-you-have-posses-a-testimony-share-it-you/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [We learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/we-learn-and-grow-and-become-stronger-as-we-face-and-survive-the/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [I am certain that the Lord, who notes the fall of a sparrow, looks with compassion upon those who have been called upon to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-am-certain-that-the-lord-who-notes-the-fall-of-a-sparrow-looks-with/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) [Explore all 586 Thomas S. Monson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) ## More Courage quotes > [The greatest act of courage is to be and to ownall of who you are—without apology, without excuses, without masks to cover the truth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debbie-ford/the-greatest-act-of-courage-is-to-be-and-to-ownall-of-who-you-are/) [Debbie Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debbie-ford/) > [“It takes tremendous courage, persistence, and perseverance to pursue your ultimate purpose.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debasish-mridha/it-takes-tremendous-courage-persistence-and-perseverance-to-pursue/) [Debasish Mridha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debasish-mridha/) > [“Yes, the issue was courage. It always had been, even as a kid. Things scared him. He couldn't help it. Noise scared him, dark…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-o-brien/yes-the-issue-was-courage-it-always-had-been-even-as-a-kid-things/) [Tim O'Brien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-o-brien/) > [Our young Marines of today are courageous, willing to make sacrifices, and are marvelous team players. I am confident our Corps, and indeed our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-t-conway/our-young-marines-of-today-are-courageous-willing-to-make-sacrifices/) James T. Conway > [Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/courage-the-most-important-of-all-the-virtues-because-without-courage/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [“Tranquillity is courage in repose. It is a statical manifestation of valor, as daring deeds are a dynamical. A truly brave man is ever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/inazo-nitobe/tranquillity-is-courage-in-repose-it-is-a-statical-manifestation-of/) [Inazo Nitobe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/inazo-nitobe/) > [When you heed the calling of your heart, you are following your purpose. Having purpose in your life gives you the courage to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rhonda-britten/when-you-heed-the-calling-of-your-heart-you-are-following-your/) [Rhonda Britten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rhonda-britten/) > [“Of all the train, none escaped except Wamba, who showed upon the occasion much more courage than those who pretended to greater sense.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-scott/of-all-the-train-none-escaped-except-wamba-who-showed-upon-the/) [Walter Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-scott/) > [The four Cs of making dreams come true: Curiosity, Courage, Consistency, Confidence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walt-disney/the-four-cs-of-making-dreams-come-true-curiosity-courage-consistency/) [Walt Disney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walt-disney/) > [Certainly these are not easy times. But history does not contain very many easy times. Years from now, we will look back at this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-ingraham/certainly-these-are-not-easy-times-but-history-does-not-contain-very/) [Laura Ingraham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-ingraham/) > [Have the courage to go against the tide of current values that do not conform to the path of Jesus.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-francis/have-the-courage-to-go-against-the-tide-of-current-values-that-do-not/) [Pope Francis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-francis/) > [“There is nothing purer, braver, or more beautiful than the try.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kristen-armstrong/there-is-nothing-purer-braver-or-more-beautiful-than-the-try/) Kristen Armstrong > [“One theory on cannibals, of course, is that they eat parts of their slain enemies to benefit from that person's greatest assets - their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julie-powell/one-theory-on-cannibals-of-course-is-that-they-eat-parts-of-their/) [Julie Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julie-powell/) > [It is a tragedy that we live in a world where physical courage is so common, and moral courage is so rare.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claude-monet/it-is-a-tragedy-that-we-live-in-a-world-where-physical-courage-is-so/) [Claude Monet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claude-monet/) > [I have pictures with Morimoto where I'm all embarrassed and he's so serious, it took me 30 minutes to get up the courage to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcela-valladolid/i-have-pictures-with-morimoto-where-i-m-all-embarrassed-and-he-s-so/) [Marcela Valladolid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcela-valladolid/) [Browse all 14,559 Courage quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. 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