Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes

Six years ago, my friend José Troitiño taught me a quote that I find very inspiring. I always keep it in my notebook, and read it almost every day:


Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes. Therefore, give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions, and determine to pay the price for a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strenghts. Remain steadfast… and one day you will build something that endures, something worthy of your potential.

— Epictetus, Roman teacher and philosopher (55 – 135 A.D.)


April 11, 2005 | Archived in Culture, Random Notes