You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.
Elia KazanRead
I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight your fight, pay your dues, and carry on. Effort is all; continue and you may get there despite everything.
Interpretation
Success often seems unattainable at first, but persistence is key to achieving it.
This quote highlights the inevitable challenges we face when pursuing meaningful goals. Elia Kazan emphasizes that many worthwhile achievements may initially seem beyond our capabilities, but with relentless effort, determination, and a refusal to give up, one can overcome obstacles and eventually reach their aspirations. It serves as a reminder that persistence and hard work are vital components of success.
In practice
This quote can be used as motivation during a challenging project at work.
You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.
Acting... was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?
A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.
To be a member of the Communist Party is to have a taste of the police state. It is a diluted taste but it is bitter and unforgettable.
I've lost many of my best friends... I'm going to satisfy myself now, not the critics, not even my friends.
I would rather do what I did than crawl in front of a ritualistic Left and lie the way those other comrades did betray my own soul.
It is impossible to produce superior performance unless you do something very different.
No great goal was ever easily achieved.
It's heavy duty to try to do everything and please everybody . . . My job was to go out there and play the game of basketball as best I can, ... People may not agree with that . . . I can't live with what everyone's impression of what I should or what I shouldn't do.
Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can.
Never give up. When your heart becomes tired, just walk with your legs - but move on.
It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions.
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