Quotes from Samuel Smiles

Progress, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step.

The wise man... if he would live at peace with others, he will bear and forbear.

Commonplace though it may appear, this doing of one's duty embodies the highest ideal of life and character. There may be nothing heroic about it; but the common lot of men is not heroic.

Great men stamp their mind upon their age and nation.

Example teaches better than precept. It is the best modeler of the character of men and women. To set a lofty example is the richest bequest a man can leave behind him.

Opportunities ... fall in the way of every man who is resolved to take advantage of them.

The great lesson of biography is to show what man can be and do at his best. A noble life put fairly on record acts like an inspiration to others.

To set a lofty example is the richest bequest a man can leave behind.

Men often discover their affinity to each other by the mutual love they have for a book.

The brave man is an inspiration to the weak, and compels them, as it were, to follow him.

Like men, nations are purified and strengthened by trials.

The great leader attracts to himself men of kindred character, drawing them towards him as the loadstone draws iron.

The cheapest of all things is kindness, its exercise requiring the least possible trouble and self-sacrifice. Win hearts, said Burleigh to Queen Elizabeth, and you have all men's hearts and purses.

Diligence, above all, is the mother of good luck.

The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

It is a mistake to suppose that men succeed through success; they much oftener succeed through failures. Precept, study, advice, and example could never have taught them so well as failure has done.

Good character is property. It is the noblest of all possessions.

Good sense, disciplined by experience and inspired by goodness, issues in practical wisdom.

Even happiness itself may become habitual. There is a habit of looking at the bright side of things, and also of looking at the dark side.

Liberty is the result of free individual action,energy and independence.

With will one can do anything.

Politeness goes far, yet costs nothing.

It is energy - the central element of which is will - that produces the miracle that is enthusiasm in all ages. Everywhere it is what is called force of character and the sustaining power of all great action.

Energy of will may be defined to be the very central power of character in a man.