Excellence Quotes - Page 16

• The excellence of aphorisms consists not so much in the expression of some rare or abstruse sentiment, as in the comprehension of some useful truth in a few words.

  Samuel Johnson

  Truth, Expression, Few Words

  Samuel Johnson (1761). “The Rambler: In Four Volumes”, p.76

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• Learn the difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection. The first is attainable; the second is not.

  Douglas Merrill

  Success, Differences, Perfection

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• In peace-armies discipline meant the hunt, not of an average but of an absolute; the hundred per cent standard in which the ninety-nine were played down to the level of the weakest man on parade.... The deeper the discipline, the lower was the individual excellence; also the more sure the performance.

  T. E. Lawrence

  Military, Army, Men

  T. E. Lawrence (2013). “Seven Pillars of Wisdom”, p.349, Black House Publishing Ltd

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• It is ... impossible to keep one's excellence in a little glass casket, like a jewel, to take it out whenever wanted. On the contrary, it can only be conserved by continuous and good practice.

  Adolf Anderssen

  Glasses, Jewels, Practice

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• Lasting achievement, whatever the endeavor, comes from a commitment to excellence every step of the way.

  Ralph Marston

  Integrity, Commitment, Achievement

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• I often say 'pursue excellence, ignore success.' Success is a by-product of excellence.

  Deepak Chopra

  Influence, Pursue, Products

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• But to the particular species of excellence men are directed, not by an ascendant planet or predominating humour, but by the first book which they read, some early conversation which they heard, or some accident which excited ardour and emulation.

  Samuel Johnson

  Book, Men, Firsts

  Samuel Johnson (2009). “The Lives of the Poets: A Selection”, p.396, OUP Oxford

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• The faults of a writer of acknowledged excellence are more dangerous, because the influence of his example is more extensive; and the interest of learning requires that they should be discovered and stigmatized, before they have the sanction of antiquity conferred upon them, and become precedents of indisputable authority.

  Samuel Johnson

  Writing, Example, Faults

  Samuel Johnson, Elizabeth Carter, Hester Mulson Chapone, Samuel Richardson, Catherine Talbot (1785). “The Rambler”, p.212

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• When the original is well chosen and judiciously copied, the imitator often arrives at excellence which he could never have attained without direction; for few are formed with abilities to discover new possibilities of excellence, and to distinguish themselves by means never tried before.

  Samuel Johnson

  Mean, Influence, Possibility

  Samuel Johnson (1761). “The Rambler: In Four Volumes”, p.23

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• No man, however enslaved to his appetites, or hurried by his passions, can, while he preserves his intellects unimpaired, please himself with promoting the corruption of others. He whose merit has enlarged his influence would surely wish to exert it for the benefit of mankind. Yet such will be the effect of his reputation, while he suffers himself to indulge in any favourite fault, that they who have no hope to reach his excellence will catch at his failings, and his virtues will be cited to justify the copiers of his vices.

  Samuel Johnson

  Passion, Men, Indulge In

  Samuel Johnson, Elizabeth Carter, Samuel Richardson, Catherine Talbot (1825). “The Rambler: A Periodical Paper, Published in 1750, 1751, 1752”, p.283

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• I look for the day...when the only criterion of excellence or position shall be the ability and character of the individual; and this time will come.

  Susan B. Anthony

  Character, Looks, Individual

  Lynn Sherr, Susan B. Anthony (1995). “Failure Is Impossible: Susan B. Anthony in Her Own Words”, Crown

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• Physical Fitness is the basis for all other forms of excellence.

  John F. Kennedy

  Form, Physical Fitness, Bases

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• Adequacy is the enemy of excellence.

  Peter Drucker

  Enemy, Adequacy

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• Intensity is the price of excellence.

  Warren Buffett

  Intensity

  "Buffett: I haven’t lost any intensity". Afternoon session of 2013 annual meeting, buffett.cnbc.com. May 4, 2013.

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• Teamwork is the foundation of success. The three universal questions that an individual asks of his coach, player, employee, employer are: Can I trust you? Are you committed to excellence? And, do you care about me?

  Lou Holtz

  Teamwork, Caring, Player

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• You must also realize that the stuff of excellence-truth, real scientific truth-can be elusive... It is too often covered by the heavy fog of fear and hidden by the darkness of your detractors.

  Daniel Goldin

  Real, Fog, Darkness

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• I believe in striving for excellence. I sweat the big and small stuff! I do not apologize for this.

  Anthony S. Fauci

  Believe, Sweat, Stuff

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• Something of the hermit's temper is an essential element in many forms of excellence, since it enables men to resist the lure of popularity, to pursue important work in spite of general indifference or hostility, and arrive at opinions which are opposed to prevalent errors.

  Bertrand Russell

  Men, Errors, Solitude

  Bertrand Russell (2004). “Power: A New Social Analysis”, p.37, Routledge

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• There is no excellence in archery without great labour.

  Maurice Thompson

  Archery, Labour

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• Elvis Presley... had nothing to do with excellence, just myth.

  Marlon Brando

  Success, Myth

  "Conversations With Brando".

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• It's as predictable as the sun rising in the morning. Every time Barack Obama's poll numbers rise you can be certain he's done something else to weaken the country. He's empowered a base that loathes American excellence.

  Dennis Quaid

  Country, Morning, Numbers

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• Success is about having. Excellence is about Being!

  Mike Ditka

  Inspirational Sports, Motivational Sports, Money And Fame

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• A service culture doesn't happen by accident. The company is always a reflection of the person at the helm. Their attitude, their values, and their commitment to service excellence will drive the actions of others in the organization. Always has...always will.

  Mac Anderson

  Attitude, Commitment, Reflection

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• Without doubt I praise the wild excellence.

  Pablo Neruda

  Prayer, Doubt, Praise

  Pablo Neruda (2015). “The Poetry of Pablo Neruda”, p.872, Macmillan

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• If America wants to make "made in America" a symbol of excellence and worth. They have to make everything of high quality, otherwise the best.

  Raymond Loewy

  America, Quality, Want

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