Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it
A friend once sent me a beautiful, hand-written card a few years ago – I now refer to this card anytime I seek added inspiration.
These famous words are from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:-
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and endless plans.
That the moment one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred.
A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now.
What will YOU do today to begin moving towards your dream?
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Actually this is not a quote from Goethe at all except for the couplet at the end of the quote.
It was actually said by W. H. Murry of the Scottish Himalyann Expedition and is often misquoted.
Thanks for the correction
Much appreciated.
Arvind
I had to search all over the web to find the complete dialog on commitment that I too thought was Goethe’s. I now find out that most of what is attributed to Goethe was from another source. Regardless I am looking for the true source so I can get it right. It might possibly be my favorite, certainly one of my top 5 of all time. Could you forward this request to J. Frost for more information on W.H. Murry, and where and when he voiced or wrote his amazing insights? I would be grateful.
j. wells