You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.
In plain words
You can stare at the water all day. You only cross it by setting off.
Where these words come from
- 40% sureLots of sources credit Rabindranath Tagore with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- attributed to Tagore, but not found in the actual text of Stray Birds (1916)
More from Rabindranath Tagore
See allClouds come floating into my life from other days no longer to shed rain or usher storm but to give colour to my sunset sky.
Rabindranath TagoreTiny grass, your steps are small, but you possess the earth under your tread.Rabindranath TagoreThe bird thinks it is an act of kindness to give the fish a lift in the air.Rabindranath TagoreThe pet dog suspects the universe for scheming to take its place.Rabindranath TagoreThe hills are like shouts of children who raise their arms, trying to catch stars.Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath TagoreTiny grass, your steps are small, but you possess the earth under your tread.Rabindranath TagoreThe bird thinks it is an act of kindness to give the fish a lift in the air.Rabindranath TagoreThe pet dog suspects the universe for scheming to take its place.Rabindranath TagoreThe hills are like shouts of children who raise their arms, trying to catch stars.Rabindranath TagoreMore on courage
You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusStrength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma GandhiFor sometimes it is an act of bravery even to live.
SenecaIf you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.
ConfuciusNever let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.Marcus AureliusThe strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.
Leo Tolstoy
Marcus AureliusStrength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.Mahatma GandhiFor sometimes it is an act of bravery even to live.SenecaIf you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.ConfuciusNever let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.Marcus AureliusThe strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.Leo Tolstoy