Inspiration | Thomas K. Odell | www.tko.net

A few of my favorite quotes ...

The Strenuous Life

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt Sorbonne, Paris
April 23, 1910

God Bless America!

Theodore Roosevelt was a governor of New York and president of the United States at the dawning of the 20th century. Interestingly, an Odell - Governor Benjamin Odell - succeeded Roosevelt as governor of New York in 1900. Click on Teddy's image to get more information about this great man who was our 26th president. You may also click here to see Governor Odell's official portrait in New York's state capitol.

IF you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you; IF you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubt too; IF you can wait and not be tired by the waiting, or, being lied about – don’t deal in lies, or being hated – don’t give way to hating, and yet don’t look too good or talk too wise; IF you can dream and not make dreams your master; IF you can think and not make thoughts your aim; IF you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters just the same; IF you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop and build ‘em up with worn out tools; IF you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you except the Will which says to them: “HOLD ON!;” IF you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings not lose the common touch; IF neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; IF all men count with you, but none too much; IF you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance and run – Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it. And which is more – you’ll be a man, my son!

Rudyard Kipling

Born in Bombay in 1865, Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling was one of the 20th century's greatest authors. He died in 1936. Click on the image of "The Man Who Would be King" for more information about that great work or click here to find out more information about Kipling's other accomplishments.

Press On

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge

President Coolidge was in some ways one of our more "misunderstood" presidents. He served in office from 1923 to 1929 and had a reputation as a man with an economy for words. I have always liked his thoughts about the value of persistance. Click on the image of the latest book published on President Coolidge for more information about our 30th president.

The Ultimate Measure

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.

Martin Luther King

The "Ultimate Measure" quote from Dr. King has always been one of my favorites. Indeed, I have it framed on my desk in my office. Click on Dr. King's image to read more about the 20th century's premier civil-rights leader.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak the truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant – they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you will become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, what ever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Anonymous

Legend is that "Desiderata" was originally found unattended on a church pew in England. Apparently, no one knows who the original author was. Click on the image to read more about Desiderata.