Friday, May 13, 2011

Success is measured by the opposition you have encountered

As I watch honorable men and women step forward to run for public office, I notice that there is always the naysayer who often hangs back in cowardly shadows, unwilling to reach for the stars and accomplishments of his own and, therefore, all too willing to tear down those who do strive to provide better leadership.

It brought to mind this saying by American writer Orison Swett Marden (1850-1924): "Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds."

2 comments:

Bob K. said...

You have no enemies, you say?
Alas, my friend, the boast is poor;
He who has mingled in the fray
Of duty, that the brave endure,
Must have made foes! If you have none,
Small is the work that you have done.
You've hit no traitor on the hip,
You've dashed no cup from perjured lip,
You've never turned the wrong to right,
You've been a coward in the fight.

— Charles MacKay (1814-1889)

Lynn R. Mitchell said...

Thanks, Bob ... that's another great one. How about, "The strongest steel goes through the hottest fire"?