[Character by Samuel Smiles]@TWC D-Link book
Character

CHAPTER V
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Decision gives the power of standing firmly, when to yield, however slightly, might be only the first step in a downhill course to ruin.
Calling upon others for help in forming a decision is worse than useless.

A man must so train his habits as to rely upon his own powers and depend upon his own courage in moments of emergency.

Plutarch tells of a King of Macedon who, in the midst of an action, withdrew into the adjoining town under pretence of sacrificing to Hercules; whilst his opponent Emilius, at the same time that he implored the Divine aid, sought for victory sword in hand, and won the battle.

And so it ever is in the actions of daily life.
Many are the valiant purposes formed, that end merely in words; deeds intended, that are never done; designs projected, that are never begun; and all for want of a little courageous decision.

Better far the silent tongue but the eloquent deed.


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