Goethe

in

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no person could have dreamed would have come his or her way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now." ~ Goethe

But...

"To think is easy. To act is hard. [And] ...the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking." ~ Goethe

But...

"Doubt can only be removed by action." ~ Goethe

3 comments:

Crockhead said...

This has the ring of truth. Certainly Goethe is right that "To think is easy. To act is hard." I don't know that I always (or even often) follow his advice

Mary said...

You know what I need to read, Rdl ....

Anonymous said...

This applies only to a person of ethics. A person of religion has no trouble acting according to his thoughts. This is how we glorify slavery and the murder of 15 million Indians. Cowards can do remarkable things when they hide behind religion or patriotism.