The Difficult is that which can be done immediately; the Impossible that which takes a little longer.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The barrier to achieving difficult tasks is often just a matter of time and persistence rather than impossibility.
- In plain terms
- Things that seem impossible might just be things that take more time.
- What can you take from it?
- Perspiration and persistence often make impossible tasks possible.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a task impossible?
- How long is a little longer?
Another view
Some tasks are genuinely impossible due to physical or logical constraints regardless of time.
More from George Santayana
Skepticism, like chastity, should not be relinquished too readily.
Permalink to quote #61 The human mind is not rich enough to drive many horses abreast and wants one general scheme, under which it strives to bring everything.
Permalink to quote #63 Scepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer.
Permalink to quote #60
Related quotes
Don't listen to what anybody says except the people who encourage you. If it's what you want to do and it's within yourself, then keep going and try to do it f…
Jake GyllenhaalJake Gyllenhaal quote #9 When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.
Carol BurnettCarol Burnett quote #10 It is not easy to remain motivated in the face of widespread apathy and self-indulgence.
Ratu Joni MadraiwiwiRatu Joni Madraiwiwi quote #15