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He that will not when he may,
When he will he shall have nay.

— Robert Burton Anatomy of a Melancholy (1621)

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Perseverance

More quotes by Robert Burton

The Chinese say that we Europeans have one eye, they themselves two, all the world else is blinde.

The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)

The fear of some divine and supreme powers keeps men in obedience.

The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)

Every man for himself, his own ends, the Devil for all.

The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)

As clear and as manifest as the nose in a man's face.

The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)

All places are distant from heaven alike.

The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)

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

Gillian Anderson

Attempt the end, and never stand to doubt;
Nothing's so hard but search will find it out.

Robert Herrick Hesperides (1648)

Perseverance is more prevailing than violence; and many things which cannot be overcome when they are together, yield themselves up when taken little by little.

Plutarch

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: Robert Burton (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.