Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.
In plain words
When something feels hard, decide it can be done. Then figure out how.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Primary text confirmed: Speech in the House of Representatives on Internal Improvements, June 20, 1848 (Collected Works, via Wikisource 'Life and Works of Abraham Lincoln' Vol. 3). Also listed in Wikiquote's Sourced section (not Disputed/Misattributed).
- Speech in the House of Representatives, on Internal Improvements
- 1848 · Washington, D.C. · arguing Congress should keep backing hard infrastructure projects instead of giving up on them
More from Abraham Lincoln
See allThe better part of one's life consists of his friendships.
Abraham LincolnA capacity, and taste, for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.Abraham LincolnLeave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day.Abraham LincolnThe way for a young man to rise, is to improve himself every way he can.Abraham LincolnAs the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and laws let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor.Abraham LincolnWe still shall have the proud consolation of saying to our consciences, and to the departed shade of our country's freedom, that the cause approved of our judgment, and adored of our hearts, in disaster, in chains, in torture, in death, we never faltered in defending.Abraham Lincoln
Abraham LincolnA capacity, and taste, for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.Abraham LincolnLeave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day.Abraham LincolnThe way for a young man to rise, is to improve himself every way he can.Abraham LincolnAs the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and laws let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor.Abraham LincolnWe still shall have the proud consolation of saying to our consciences, and to the departed shade of our country's freedom, that the cause approved of our judgment, and adored of our hearts, in disaster, in chains, in torture, in death, we never faltered in defending.Abraham LincolnMore on perseverance
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao TzuSlow and steady wins the race.
AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.
OvidFew things are impossible to diligence and skill.
Samuel Johnson
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao TzuSlow and steady wins the race.AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.OvidFew things are impossible to diligence and skill.Samuel Johnson