I have to put the whole quotation here, it is not often fully quoted but I believe it is extremely powerful. Thomas Paine in his revolutionary pamphlets The American crisis: crisis number 1..
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”
I’ve known this whole quote most of my life. It is so epic and deep that most have only seen small phrases from it. Here are a few things that it motivates me to think about.
1. Crises: a time of immense difficulty trouble or danger.
Crises can describe many situations in life. But what is impressive in these writing to me is His intent to move everyone to recognize a crises and stand even more in their life.
2. The value of crises: crises brings opportunity. Mr. Paine delivered Hope and expectations instead of weakness and withering during crises. If we can just endure and even step up, the success will be so much sweeter!
3. Running away or drawing back when crises is in my life is weakness of mind. He says this the business of little minds to shrink. This causes great reflection for me, do i run away when I’m distress?
4. He gives the expectation of how to handle crises. Simply put,
a. smile in trouble
b. gather strength from distress
c. grow brave by reflection
These things are easily said when in crises, but seems to be the recipe for success! I read that i need to be resilient and seek opportunities in difficult times to grow stronger and strengthen. I need to smile, not because of difficulty but because i have hope that this negative thing is going to propel me to greater things if u endure.
There’s so much more in this quotation and book but i think these simple things are so encouraging and helpful
John
