Genius is only the power of making continuous efforts.

The line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it: so fine that we are often on the line and do not know it. How many people have thrown up their hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, would have achieved success?

As the tide goes clear out, so it comes clear in. In business, sometimes prospects may seem darkest when really they are on the turn. A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.

There is no failure except in no longer trying; no defeat but from within; no insurmountable barrier other than our own inherent weakness of purpose. Genius is only the power of making continuous efforts.

Quote Source

This quote is often attributed to Elbert Hubbard, and he did in fact publish the quote in the July 1913 edition of his magazine, titled “The Fra”. However, we found this quote published sixteen years earlier in an 1897 publication titled, “The Insurance Economist”, attributing the quote to “Indemnity”, a publication by The Preferred Accident Insurance company.

It was then published again in  “The Railway Journal”, Volume 10, in 1904. Two railway agents slightly modified the passage and made it seem like it was written specifically for railway agents. Again, no source was provided.

We could not find a copy of the 1897 publication, “Indemnity”, to search for further information on the original author of this quote, but if anyone finds a source predating 1897, please let us know!