Only after Winter comes do we know that the pine and the cypress are the last to fade.
In plain words
You find out who is toughest only once things get hard.
Where these words come from
- 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Analects, Book IX, Chapter 28 -- the pine-and-cypress steadfastness metaphor; Wikiquote sourced Analects section.
More from Confucius
See allIt does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusStudy the past if you would define the future.ConfuciusBy three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.ConfuciusIf you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.ConfuciusLearning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.ConfuciusIs it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters?Confucius
ConfuciusStudy the past if you would define the future.ConfuciusBy three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.ConfuciusIf you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.ConfuciusLearning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.ConfuciusIs it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters?ConfuciusMore on perseverance
Nature 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 JohnsonConstant practice devoted to one subject often prevails over both ability and skill.
Cicero
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 JohnsonConstant practice devoted to one subject often prevails over both ability and skill.Cicero