Orison Swett Marden

A strong, successful man is not the victim of his environment. He creates favorable conditions. His own inherent force and energy compel things to turn out as he desires.

Orison Swett Marden

Aspiration lifts the life; groveling lowers it. When we are striving for excellence in everything we do the entire life grows and expands, but if we allow our standards to drop, there is a natural progression that follows, a tendency for a downward effort in all that we do thereafter.

Orison Swett Marden

Begin where you are; work where you are; the hour which you are now wasting, dreaming of some far-off success may be crowded with grand possibilities.

Orison Swett Marden

Character is a mark cut upon something, and this indelible mark determines the only true value of all people and all their work.

Orison Swett Marden

Do not waste time dreaming of great faraway opportunities; do the best you can where you are. Open your petals of power and beauty and fling out the fragrance of your life in the place that has been assigned to you.

Orison Swett Marden

Don’t think you have no chance in life because you have no capital to begin with. Most of the rich men of to-day began poor. The chances are you would be ruined if you had capital.

Orison Swett Marden

Dreams that are realized become an inspiration for new endeavor. It is in the power to make the dream good that we find the hope of this world.

Orison Swett Marden

Economize in other things if you must, wear threadbare clothes if necessary, but never cheat your body or brain by the quality and quantity of your food. Poor, cheap food which produces low vitality and inferior brain force is the worst kind of economy.

Orison Swett Marden

Every child should be taught to expect success, and to believe that he was born to achieve, as the acorn is destined to become an oak. It is cruel for parents and teachers to tell children that they are dull or stupid, or that they are not like others of their age.

Orison Swett Marden

Every one who has labored honestly in the past has aided to place knowledge and comfort within the reach of a constantly increasing number.

Orison Swett Marden