Goethe on Commitment

Written by Tayria Ward on November 21, 2011

I just typed this quote for a friend that is never far from my thoughts. I first heard it decades ago, and have unfailingly observed the truth of it.

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the choice to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

 All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamed would come their way.
 Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it, boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
 Begin it now.
                                                                                                        -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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