Samuel Smiles

Success treads on the heels of every right effort; and though it is possible to overestimate success to the extent of almost deifying it, as is sometimes done, still, in any worthy pursuit, it is meritorious.

Samuel Smiles

Sympathy is the golden key that unlocks the hearts of others.

Samuel Smiles

The apprenticeship of difficulty is one which the greatest of men have had to serve.

Samuel Smiles

The battle of life is, in most cases, fought up-hill; and to win it without a struggle were perhaps to win it without honor. If there were no difficulties, there would be no success; if there were nothing to struggle for, there would be nothing to be achieved.

Samuel Smiles

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

Samuel Smiles

The career of a great man remains an enduring monument of human energy. The man dies and disappears, but his thoughts and acts survive and leave an indelible stamp upon his race.

Samuel Smiles

The duty of helping one’s self in the highest sense involves the helping of one’s neighbors.

Samuel Smiles

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.

Samuel Smiles

The reason why so little is done, is generally because so little is attempted.

Samuel Smiles

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

Samuel Smiles