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Will is the immediate consciousness of the activity of the inward powers of our Nature. The immediate consciousness of an effort, an aspiration of these powers which is not yet activity, because restrained by opposing forces — this is inclination or desire; the struggle of contending forces is irresolution; the victory of one is the resolution of the will.

— Johann Gottlieb Fichte The Destination of Man (1799)

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Perseverance

More quotes by Johann Gottlieb Fichte

Upon the progress of knowledge the whole progress of the human race is immediately dependent: he who retards that, hinders this also.

The Vocation of the Scholar (1794)

Humanity may endure the loss of everything: all its possessions may be torn away without infringing its true dignity; — all but the possibility of improvement.

The Vocation of the Scholar (1794)

By conscience alone comes truth and reality into my representations.

The Vocation of Man (1800)

The law of the transcendental world must, therefore, be a Will.

The Vocation of Man (1800)

A man can do what he ought to do; and when he says he cannot, it is because he will not.

letter (1791)

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Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.

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All theory is against the freedom of the will; all experience for it.

Samuel Johnson Life of Samuel Johnson (1791)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Johann Gottlieb Fichte (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.