Some give up their designs when they have almost reached the goal; while others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of perseverance and effort, especially when nearing a goal.
Herodotus highlights the contrasting attitudes of individuals facing challenges close to their goals. Some may choose to give up just as success is within reach, while others find the strength to push harder and achieve victory, demonstrating that tenacity and effort in the final moments can lead to success.
In practice
In a motivational speech to students before their final exam.
The Scythians take kannabis seed, creep in under the felts, and throw it on the red-hot stones. It smolders and sends up such billows of steam-smoke that no Greek vapor bath can surpass it. The Scythians howl with joy in these vapor-baths, which serve them instead of bathing, for they never wash their bodies with water.
The man who has planned badly, if fortune is on his side, may have had a stroke of luck; but his plan was a bad one nonetheless.
Men trust their ears less than their eyes.
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
The worst pain a man can have is to know much and be impotent to act.
All men's gains are the fruit of venturing.
We don't quit. I don't quit. Let's seize this moment.
It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.
The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today...There is no such thing as a setback. The lessons I learn today I will apply tomorrow, and I will be better.
...it occurred to me that the voracious ambition of humans is never sated by dreams coming true, because there is always the thought that everything might be done better and again.
One of my first races came over 10km in 2002. I won that race and it felt great. I would say that is when I first fell in love with running.
Busyness is not a reason for not getting other things done. It is an excuse for not claiming your true priorities.
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