Quote by John W. Gardner

Some people have greatness thrust upon them. Few have excellence thrust upon them. . . . They achieve it. They do not achieve it unwittingly by doing what comes naturally and they don't stumble into it in the course of amusing themselves. All excellence involves discipline and tenacity of purpose.

Some people have greatness thrust upon them. Few have excell

Summary

This quote emphasizes that while greatness can be forced upon certain individuals, excellence is not something that can be attained by mere chance or passivity. Those who achieve excellence do so intentionally and through dedicated effort. The quote implies that excellence requires discipline and a strong sense of purpose, suggesting that it is not an easy feat to accomplish. It suggests that those who strive for excellence must consciously work towards it, rather than relying on natural talent or casual pursuits.

Topics

Greatness & Great Things

By John W. Gardner

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Quotations are useful in periods of ignorance or obscurantis

Quotations are useful in periods of ignorance or obscurantist beliefs.

There is nothing stable in the world uproar's your only musi

There is nothing stable in the world uproar's your only music.

I may be the only mother in America who knows exactly what t

I may be the only mother in America who knows exactly what their child is up to all the time.

Nothing can be more contrary to religion and the clergy than

Nothing can be more contrary to religion and the clergy than reason and common sense

Don't express your ideas too clearly. Most people think litt

Don't express your ideas too clearly. Most people think little of what they understand, and venerate what they do not.

Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Wor

Excellence, then, is a state concerned with choice, lying in

Excellence, then, is a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean, relative to us, this being determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it.

Wisdom Life Man Choice

The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it i

The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible.

Albert Einstein

I don't feel particularly comfortable about actors using wha

I don't feel particularly comfortable about actors using whatever power they may have to push their beliefs, unless they're extremely well informed.

And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminum can

And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminum can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper plate, and this was good because Man could then take his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He could save that which was good to eat in the refrigerator and throw away that which had no further use. And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: Look at this Godawful mess.

Art Buchwald, 1970

You only need one man to love you. But him to love you free

You only need one man to love you. But him to love you free like a wildfire, crazy like the moon, always like tomorrow, sudden like an inhale and overcoming like the tides. Only one man and all of this.

Men Love Inspirational Passion True Love Inspiring Real Love Inspirational Love The Love Of A Man

It is hard to know how many people do, but given that the pe

It is hard to know how many people do, but given that the people are so docile towards the rulers, nowadays, very few Americans show the passion for freedom that our forefathers had.

Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thin

Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing! but I have never been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall. And, without love, I am sure I should be a fool to change such a situation as mine.

Falling In Love