Persistence and determination

In the last article I ended with Calvin Coolidge’s conclusion that “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Why? Let’s examine why he made this statement. Inspirational quotes come from an observable recurrent theme in someone’s life. The individual not only pays attention to this recurrent theme, but synthesizes it into a simple to understand statement that seems obvious to the reader. Calvin Coolidge had an interesting life of growth, prosperity and recognition. He had a reputation in politics as a small-government conservative. A proponent of the middle class, he understood the needs of those who work their way up to the top of business and government. He believed in a laissez-faire style of government where the government doesn’t get involved in business or the free market. He was focused on individual initiative and observed his environment with tenacity and fortitude.

After his graduation from college, he opted to apprentice at a law firm and became a lawyer by a process then known as reading law. Just before the turn of the 20th century, Coolidge was admitted to the bar as a country lawyer in Massachusetts. He was exposed to many middle class people and their problems and struggles. Businesses and banks began to hire him due to his reputation as a hard working and diligent attorney. He knew his strengths and weaknesses and preferred to operate outside of the courtroom. He traversed the journey from city councilman, to legislator and was elected Mayor of Northampton, Massachusetts. From Lt. Governor to Governor to Vice President, he eventually became our 30th President. What a journey for a quiet and apparently simple man who understood the needs of the middle class! His awareness of the power of the spoken word was evident in his statement, "The words of a President have an enormous weight and ought not to be used indiscriminately." He believed that the chief business of the American people is business. The function of buying and selling, investing and prospering in the world.

His persistence and determination to be the best he could be influenced many of his followers. Coolidge signed a bill granting the Native Americans full U.S. Citizenship. After all, they were here first. It took our leaders many years to recognize that settlers took over their land and they deserved the same rights that all citizens should have. He was the first President to have his inauguration broadcast on radio, address congress on radio and deliver a political speech on radio. He was aware of his function in the world at that time and understood how to interact with it. He was also the first President to appear in a sound film in 1924 and the only President to appear on a coin in his lifetime. He knew how to reach the people because he was an observer, a person who studied people and their ways and a person who worked diligently to get to the top of government. His statement about persistence and determination came from his own personal experience.

Calvin Coolidge made many strides in his life and dedicated his life to public service. When he made the following statement, he made it with authority because he lived it. “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Press on with persistence and determination and you will attain your dreams and goals. Calvin Coolidge knew this. Many people since knew this. Embrace the wisdom in his statement and achieve what your spirit drives you to achieve. Remember, it is not talent, genius or education, but dogged determination that gets you to the top!

For more info: Download my free Wilmington Spirituality Examiner toolbar. “Life is a gift. Be thankful for it and it will be replete with abundance. Encourage others to express creativity, release negativity and embrace pro-activity." Dean A. Banks, MCIWD, DD can be reached at webproducer@hotmail.com or banksnet.com. Download my free eBook on Articles 1-10 here.