It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness. — Seneca · Smartyfair

It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.

Seneca4–65 BC · philosopher · Ancient RomeSeneca was a Roman philosopher, playwright, and statesman who served as tutor and later chief advisor to the young Emperor Nero, guiding Roman policy for years.11 quotes

Source foundPerseveranceAncient

In plain words

The path to something great is bumpy on purpose.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium, Letter LXXXIV; Wikiquote sourced section.
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Sourced Letter LXXXIV

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More from Seneca

For sometimes it is an act of bravery even to live.

Seneca All art is but imitation of nature.

Seneca Men learn while they teach.

Seneca It is equally faulty to trust everyone and to trust no one.

Seneca No good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.

Seneca Nothing will ever please me, no matter how excellent or beneficial, if I must retain the knowledge of it to myself.

More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop Patience is the key to relief.Arabic proverb Drops of water hollow out a stone.

Ovid Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.