Rolf Dobelli on long-term thinking and persistence

Once you've identified your circle of competence, stick to it as long as possible.  Likewise if you find a good spouse, a suitable place to live or a rewarding hobby.  Perseverance, tenacity and long-term thinking are highly valuable yet underrated virtues.

~ Rolf Dobelli, The Art of the Good Life, "The Secret of Persistence," p. 61

Thomas Edison on persistence

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

~ Thomas Edison

Vince Lombardi on persistence

Winners never quit and quitters never win.

~ Vince Lombardi

Steve Jobs on asking for help

I've never found anyone who said no or hung up the phone when I called.  I just asked.  And when people ask me, I try to be as responsive to pay that debt of gratitude back.  Most people never pick up the phone and call.  Most people never ask.  And that's what separates sometimes, the people who do things from the people who just dream about them. 

~ Steve Jobs, "Just Ask"

Thomas Edison on persistence

The first requisite of success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem without growing weary.

~ Thomas Edison, inventor

Thomas A. Edison
1947

Napoleon Hill on persistence

Effort only fully releases to reward after a person refuses to quit.

~ Napoleon Hill, writer and teacher

Marilyn vos Savant

Being defeated is often a temporary condition.  Giving up is what makes it permanent.

~ Marilyn vos Savant, columnist

Christopher Morley on persistence

Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.

~ Christopher Morley, novelist