All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don't discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others.
Interpretation
Our purpose is often tied to serving others rather than personal achievement.
In this quote, Danny Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding our purpose in life and suggests that true success is measured not by personal gains or accomplishments, but by the contributions we make to the lives of others. It encourages individuals to look beyond their own desires and achievements to find fulfillment through altruism and helping those around them.
In practice
In a graduation speech to inspire students to think beyond personal success.
It is time to stop looking outside yourself for the answers to why you haven't created the life and results you want, for it is you who creates the quality of life you lead and the results you produce. You-no one else! To achieve major success in life-to achieve those things that are most important to you-you must assume 100% responsibility for your life. Nothing less will do.
In all my years of baseball, I have always expected to be traded. I never liked the idea.
You don't have to specialize - do everything that you love and then, at some time, the future will come together for you in some form.
People are fond of using the its not what you know, its who you know adage as an excuse for inaction, as if all successful people are born with powerful friends. Nonsense.
I have to tell you, I'm proudest of my life off the court. There will always be great basketball players who bounce that little round ball, but my proudest moments are affecting people's lives, effecting change, being a role model in the community.
One or two years ago, I didn't know who I was on court and I used to swear a lot. But now I've learned how to cope and can therefore win 10 matches in a row. I want to be remembered as a good player rather than an idiot on court.
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