To begin, to begin is half the work. Let half still remain; again begin this, and you will have finished. — Marcus Tullius Cicero
—What lingers after this line?
The Power of Starting
Cicero emphasizes that the courage and effort to start a task are significant milestones in themselves. Once we begin, we are already halfway toward completing the work.
Breaking Tasks into Steps
This quote encourages breaking down complex goals into smaller pieces. Completing each part, starting again with renewed focus, eventually leads to the completion of the entire task.
Persistence and Consistency
Cicero highlights the importance of persistence. Beginning again with what remains demonstrates the consistent effort needed for success, even when progress seems slow.
Overcoming Procrastination
The act of starting serves as an antidote to procrastination. Cicero’s wisdom suggests that initiating action, no matter how small, propels us forward.
Philosophical Perspective
Cicero, a Roman statesman and philosopher, often wrote about diligence and human effort. This quote reflects his belief in human agency and the progress we achieve through deliberate, step-by-step actions.
One-minute reflection
What feeling does this quote bring up for you?
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