Quotes on Effort: A curated selection of passionate messages left by great figures and famous people

The more I learn, the more I realize how ignorant I am. And the more I become aware of my ignorance, the more I want to learn.Albert Einstein

[Reading Aloud] 30 Einstein Quotes: Words of Wisdom and Maxims Left by a Genius

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was a physicist famous for the theory of relativity and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics.

The more we know and the more we learn, the more we realize how little we actually understood.

It feels as if we are being encouraged to lead a life of inquiry—to persevere, reach deeper, and venture farther.

While you are alive, postpone nothing. Let your life be action, and action again.Goethe

Goethe Quotes Collection: Goethe’s Great Sayings

There may be a significant difference, over the course of a lifetime, between what people who act on their ideas can achieve and what those who avoid action out of fear of risk can achieve.

By trying something, new doors of possibility can open.

Taking the first step—just trying—may be what matters most.

Those born with natural talent tend to rely on it, neglect their training, and grow conceited. But those without innate talent strive every day to acquire skills however they can. Their mindset is completely different. That is what matters.Oda Nobunaga

[Warlord of the Sengoku] A Collection of Words and Famous Quotes to Engrave in the Heart of Oda Nobunaga

Whatever it is, spending day after day working hard while thinking you don’t have any talent can be pretty tough, right? You feel like, “If only I had talent, how much better things would be,” and you start to lose heart.

But these words give you courage on days like that.

Starting something is easy, but continuing it is difficult. Making it successful is even more difficult.Umeko Tsuda

[Moving Quotes] A Collection of Quotes That Can Change Your Life in an Instant – Umeko Tsuda 1

Umeko Tsuda (1864–1929) was a Japanese educator and a pioneer of women’s education in Japan.

In 1841, she studied abroad in the United States, and she contributed to women’s education while seeking to improve the status of women.

She teaches us that making an effort, and continuing that effort, is what is necessary to climb a high mountain.

To climb a steep hill, you must first walk slowly.Shakespeare

Listen in audio: 15 episodes of 'Shakespeare's Famous Quotes'

Shakespeare (1564–1616) was a British playwright and poet.

No matter how long the road stretches out before you, if you proceed slowly and steadily, you will surely reach your final destination.

When you feel daunted by how far there is to go, you may even lose the desire to walk at all; but precisely at such times, if you resolve to go slowly, your spirits may lift and your motivation may return.

If you break anything down into small tasks, nothing is particularly difficult.John D. Rockefeller

John D.

Rockefeller (1839–1937) was an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Standard Oil Company and monopolized the oil market.

He became the first American to possess assets exceeding one billion dollars, yet he used the majority of his wealth for philanthropic activities.

He teaches us that even great tasks can surely be accomplished if we break them into smaller parts and tackle them bit by bit.

Genius is finite. Effort is infinite.Kiyoshi Nakamura

Genius is finite [Quote by Kiyoshi Nakamura]

Kiyoshi Nakamura (1913–1985) was a track and field coach, famous as the mentor of Toshihiko Seko and Wakiuri.

He said, “It is my mission to have my athletes bloom into full flower once a year,” and went on to cultivate one talented athlete after another.

There is no end to effort—truly words of weight.

Once you’ve decided to do something, don’t postpone it with excuses like not being in the mood or wanting a distraction. Start at once—even if only superficially. Good ideas will come.Tolstoy

Listen in audio: 'Tolstoy's Famous Quotes' Episode 15

Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist and thinker.

Even though steady daily effort is necessary, we often find excuses to slack off—saying we’re tired today, not in the mood, and so on.

At such times, he teaches us that what matters is to just get started for now.

Once you begin, your initial mood often shifts, and you frequently find yourself getting into a good rhythm, don’t you?

When I was young, I found that out of ten things I tried, nine didn’t work. So I worked ten times harder.Bernard Shaw

[Moving Quotes] A Collection of Quotes That Can Change Your Life in an Instant — Bernard Shaw II

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish man of letters, screenwriter, and playwright, and one of the founders of modern British drama.

He wrote as many as 53 plays over his lifetime and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.

When trying to achieve something, you can’t always choose the correct method.

Even if you fail, it’s important to learn from it and rise again.

Happiness is more often earned through effort than given.Saneatsu Mushanokōji

[Moving Quotes] A Collection of Life-Changing Sayings in an Instant — Saneatsu Mushanokōji 5

Saneatsu Mushanokōji (1885–1976) was a Japanese novelist, poet, and playwright.

Happiness is sometimes given by others, and sometimes seized by oneself.

Both are mixed into life, but this saying—that the greater happiness is the kind you grasp through your own efforts—gives a jolt to that timid heart that finds itself hoping someone will bring happiness along.