Need and struggle are what excite and inspire us; our hour of triumph is what brings the void. Not the Jews of the captivity, but those of the days of Solomon's glory are those from whom the pessimistic utterances in our Bible come.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Struggle inspires creativity and hope, while triumph can lead to emptiness or pessimism.
- In plain terms
- Hard times often bring more inspiration than easy times.
- What can you take from it?
- Find motivation in challenges rather than complacency.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What struggles inspired you?
- How do you handle success?
Another view
Struggle can also lead to despair without support.
More from William James
In the deepest heart of all of us there is a corner in which the ultimate mystery of things works sadly.
Permalink to quote #37 It is only by risking our persons from one hour to another that we live at all. And often enough our faith beforehand in an uncertified result is the only thin…
Permalink to quote #39 A thing is important if anyone think it important.
Permalink to quote #36
Related quotes
People say it's hard at the top, but it's even harder at the bottom.
Ozzy OsbourneOzzy Osbourne quote #59 Hitch your wagon to a star.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson quote #253 Life is a four-letter word
Lenny BruceLenny Bruce quote #1