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Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life; dream of it; think of it; live on that idea. Let the brain, the body, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, and this is the way great spiritual giants are produced.

Swami Vivekananda, Raja Yoga (Yoga Philosophy: Lectures Delivered in New York, Winter of 1895–6)

Greatness consists not in the holding of some future office, but really consists in doing great deeds with little means and the accomplishment of vast purposes from the private ranks of life.

Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds

…in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.

Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life

One step towards independent thinking always compels the next step and makes it easy. It is such a joy to find yourself thinking, as is reasonable to yourself instead of as somebody has told you.

Emma Curtis Hopkins, Glory of Christ

…scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like the radium a benefit for humanity.

Marie Curie, The Discovery of Radium

There is for each man, perfect self-expression. There is a place which he is to fill and no one else can fill, something which he is to do, which no one else can do; it is his destiny!

Florence Scovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It

Cheerfulness gives elasticity to the spirit. Spectres fly before it; difficulties cause no despair, for they are encountered with hope, and the mind acquires that happy disposition to improve opportunities which rarely fails of success.

Samuel Smiles, Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct

Let no man think lightly of good, saying in his heart, It will not come nigh unto me. Even by the falling of water-drops a water-pot is filled; the wise man becomes full of good, even if he gather it little by little.

The Buddha, The Dhammapada

I am astonished at the great things done on this road by encouraging oneself to undertake great things, though we may not have the strength for them at once; the soul takes a flight upwards and ascends high, though, like a little bird whose wings are weak, it grows weary and rests.

Teresa of Ávila, The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Between the days of fecund productivity are inserted days of uncertainty when nothing seems to succeed, and when even matter itself seems hostile; and it is then that one must hold out against discouragement.

Marie Curie, Pierre Curie

It is only the joys we share that give happiness; it is only the thoughts we express that enrich our own minds; it is only the strength we use in actual helpfulness that makes our own souls strong.

Christian D. Larson, Just Be Glad