Quotes from Samuel Smiles

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

Obedience, submission, discipline, courage--these are among the characteristics which make a man.

Self-control is only courage under another form. It may also be regarded as the primary essence of character.

The Romans rightly employed the same word (virtus) to designate courage, which is, in a physical sense, what the other is in a moral; the highest virtue of all being victory over ourselves.

An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.

Practical wisdom is only to be learned in the school of experience. Precepts and instruction are useful so far as they go, but, without the discipline of real life, they remain of the nature of theory only.

All experiences of life seems to prove that the impediments thrown in the way of the human advancement may for the most part be overcome by steady good conduct, honest zeal, activity, perseverance and above all, by a determined resolution to surmount