230 Quotes by Samuel Smiles

The very greatest things - great thoughts, discoveries, inventions - have usually been nurtured in hardship, often pondered over in sorrow, and at length established with difficulty.

Childhood is like a mirror, which reflects in after life the images first presented to it.

The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual.

A fig-tree looking on a fig-tree becometh fruitful," says the Arabian proverb. And so it is with children; their first great instructor is example.

True politeness is consideration for the opinions of others. It has been said of dogmatism that it is only puppyism come to its full growth; and certainly the worst form this quality can assume is that of opinionativeness and arrogance.

Man cannot aspire if he looked down; if he rise, he must look up.

Enthusiasm... the sustaining power of all great action.

Thus the brave and aspiring life of one man lights a flame in the minds of others of like faculties and impulse; and where there is equally vigorous effort, like distinction and success will almost surely follow. Thus the chain of example is carried down through time in an endless succession of links--admiration exciting imitation, and perpetuating the true aristocracy of genius.

Labour may be a burden and a chastisement, but it is also an honour and a glory. Without it, nothing can be accomplished.