George Eliot

There is only one failure in life possible, and that is not to be true to the best one knows.

I’m proof against that word failure. I’ve seen behind it. The only failure a man ought to fear is failure of cleaving to the purpose he sees to be best.

The best augury of a man’s success in his profession is that he thinks it the finest in the world.

For what is love itself, for the one we love best? An enfolding of immeasurable cares which yet are better than any joys outside our love.

The only failure one should fear, is not hugging to the purpose they see as best.

You should read history and look at ostracism, persecution, martyrdom, and that kind of thing. They always happen to the best men, you know.