I am not the richest, smartest or most talented person in the world, but I succeed because I keep going and going and going.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote is a testament to the power of perseverance. It acknowledges that success is not solely reliant on being born into privilege or possessing extraordinary intelligence or talent. Instead, success often comes down to the willingness to keep pushing forward in the face of obstacles and setbacks. The statement encourages readers to adopt a never-give-up attitude and reminds us that with enough determination, anything is possible.
Who said the quote?
The quote "I am not the richest, smartest or most talented person in the world, but I succeed because I keep going and going and going." was said by Nelson Mandela (Bio / Quotes). Sylvester Stallone is a Hollywood legend known for his iconic roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo.
What's the quote's message?
The quote encapsulates the essence of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It conveys that success isn't solely reliant on wealth, intelligence, or talent. While these attributes can indeed provide an advantage, they are not the be-all and end-all of achievement. This quote asserts that determination, grit, and an unwavering commitment to keep pressing forward, even in the face of setbacks, are equally, if not more, important. It reminds us that the path to success is often filled with obstacles, but the key to overcoming them is not giving up, no matter how challenging the circumstances might be. The individual who continues to strive, irrespective of their apparent disadvantages, will ultimately succeed, underlining the power of resilience and relentless effort over innate capabilities or advantageous circumstances.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
That quote beautifully captures the essence of persistence, and a historical figure who perfectly embodies this is Thomas Edison.
Thomas Alva Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, wasn't necessarily the richest, the smartest, or the most talented person of his time. Edison had only three months of formal education, and he started his journey into inventing without any significant financial backing. Yet, he holds 1,093 patents for his inventions, a testament to his relentless perseverance.
One of his most well-known inventions, the practical electric light bulb, didn't come easily. Edison faced numerous failures along the way. The commonly told story is that he failed a thousand times before he finally succeeded. When asked about his multiple failures, Edison famously responded, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Now, this is the spirit of "going and going and going" in action!
Many of his contemporaries were perhaps more formally educated, richer, or even more naturally talented. However, Edison's unwavering perseverance, his ability to face failure, learn from it, and carry on - these qualities made him stand out and ultimately succeed.
So, while it's fantastic to have talent, intelligence, and resources, it's important to remember that it's often the grit, the determination, and the sheer persistence that really make the difference. Just like in Edison's case, these qualities can truly light up the world!
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
