Here is little Effie's head. Her brains are made of gingerbread. When
the judgement day comes, God will find six read more

Here is little Effie's head. Her brains are made of gingerbread. When
the judgement day comes, God will find six crumbs. Stooping by the coffin
lid waiting for something to rise as the something's always did. Imagine
His surprise, bellowing above the general noise, "Where is Effie? She
was dead." Back to God in a tiny voice: "My name's Maybe."
The first crumb said. The number two crumb picked up the song.
"Might, I'm called. I've done no wrong." Cried the third crumb,
"I am Should. Here's our little brother Could and my big sister
Would. Don't punish us for we've been good." And the last crumb, with
some shame, whispered unto God, "My name is Must and with the others,
we've been Effie, who isn't alive and never was. Cross the threshold have
no dread. Lift the sheet back in this way.

One extends one's limits only by exceeding them.

One extends one's limits only by exceeding them.

Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before
you get tired.

Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before
you get tired.

A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out
to accomplish it. He should make read more

A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out
to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the centralizing point of
his thoughts. It may take the form of a spiritual ideal, or it may be a
worldly object, according to his nature at the time being; but whichever
it is, he should steadily focus his thought forces upon the object which
he has set before him. He should make this purpose his supreme duty, and
should devote himself to its attainment, not allowing his thoughts to
wander away into ephemeral fancies, longings, and imaginings. This is the
royal road to self-control and true concentration of thought. Even if he
fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must
until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the
measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting point for
future power and triumph.

All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this: Act as if it were impossible read more

All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this: Act as if it were impossible to fail. That is the talisman, the formula, the command of right-about-face which turns us from failure towards success.

Value is the most invincible and impalpable of ghosts, and comes and goes unthought of while the visible and dense read more

Value is the most invincible and impalpable of ghosts, and comes and goes unthought of while the visible and dense matter remains as it was.

Passion holds up the bottom of the universe and genius paints up its roof.

Passion holds up the bottom of the universe and genius paints up its roof.

I am convinced that the world is not a mere bog in which men and woman trample themselves in the read more

I am convinced that the world is not a mere bog in which men and woman trample themselves in the mire and die. Something magnificent is taking place here amid the cruelties and tragedies, and the supreme challenge to intelligence is that of making the noblest and best in our curious heritage prevail.

Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, "Make
me feel important." Never forget this message when working read more

Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, "Make
me feel important." Never forget this message when working with
people.