WIST Quotations

Gracián, Baltasar -- The Art of Worldly Wisdom [Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia], § 204 (1647) [tr. Fischer (1937)]

Dave — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:10:11 +0000

But the greatest undertakings should not be overly pondered, lest contemplation of difficulties too clearly foreseen appall you.

[Los grandes empeños aun no se han de pensar, basta ofrecerse, porque la dificultad, advertida, no ocasione el reparo.]

Baltasar Gracián y Morales (1601-1658) Spanish Jesuit priest, writer, philosopher
The Art of Worldly Wisdom [Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia], § 204 (1647) [tr. Fischer (1937)]
(Source)

(Source (Spanish)). Alternate translations:

As to great enterprizes, we must not stand reasoning, it is enough that we embrace them when they present, lest the consideration of their difficulty make us abandon the attempt.
[Flesher ed. (1685)]

Great undertakings are not to be brooded over, lest their difficulty when seen causes despair.
[tr. Jacobs (1892)]

In moments of great danger, don't even think, simply act. Don't dwell on the difficulties.
[tr. Maurer (1992)]

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- Journal (1841-10-28)

Dave — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:50:01 +0000

We are very near to greatness: one step and we are safe: can we not take the leap?

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
Journal (1841-10-28)

King, Martin Luther -- (Attributed)

Dave — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:02:08 +0000

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) American clergyman, civil rights leader, social activist, preacher
(Attributed)

Variant: "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

Coffin, William Sloane -- Credo, “Faith, Hope, Love” (2004)

Dave — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:14:09 +0000

There is nothing anti-intellectual in the leap of faith, for faith is not believing without proof but trusting without reservation.

William Sloane Coffin, Jr. (1924-2006) American minister, social activist
Credo, “Faith, Hope, Love” (2004)
(Source)