Success & Failure
A pyramid isn’t built from the top down. The apex is attained only by laying strong foundation stones, one by one. The same is true of achieving a lofty objective. The crucial thing is to lay the first stone, to take the first step.
[Essay series, “Dialogues with World Citizens,” Seikyo Shimbun, Sep. 14, 2008]
Do you give up the struggle to overcome your own limitations on the first attempt, or do you keep on with it, trying a second time, a third time, and continuing on in the challenge for the rest of your life? That is the only difference between the genius and the ordinary person.
[“A Conversation with Youth,” Seikyo Shimbun, Aug. 21, 1992]
Human society is made up of people who have met success and those who have not. No one can know for sure whether life will be blessed by fortune or burdened by fate. Still, the elation of triumph is short-lived. Those who understand that every setback, too, is only a temporary result, and who continue to make steady efforts with confidence and conviction can achieve truly great things. Ultimately, victory comes from never giving in to defeat.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 36]
If you lose today, win tomorrow! To struggle without cease is to possess the heart of a victor.
[“Days of Value,” Journey of Life: Selected Poems of Daisaku Ikeda]
In both study and in life the real struggle is with ourselves, against our willingness to give up or to accept less than success. The true secret of success is the refusal to give up, the refusal to fail, and the struggle to win the battle against one's own weaknesses.
[Speech at Soka University and Soka Women's College Entrance Ceremony, Tokyo, Apr. 4, 1994]
In life, we are often faced with various competing responsibilities. The important thing is to be determined to give your all and to be fully engaged in what you are doing at any given moment. . . . The secret to successfully fulfilling a variety of roles is to concentrate fully on the task at hand and enthusiastically give it your best effort, maintaining a positive, forward-looking attitude and not worrying.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 21, “Jeweled Crown” chapter]
It is at the very moment of defeat that we can summon fresh resolve to win next and open the way to lasting victory.
[Speech at National Representatives Conference, Tokyo, Oct. 30, 2007]
It takes great effort to build something, but destruction takes only an instant.
[Speech at Kansai Representatives Conference, Osaka, May 20, 1998]
The risk of failure is part of trying. If you never attempt to do anything, you’ll never fail. Should you fail, the important thing is to summon fresh courage and get right back on your feet again. No matter how many times you may fall, keep pressing forward with an invincible determination. Victory and defeat in life are not decided until the final moment.
[Speech at National Representatives Conference, Tokyo, Feb. 23, 2006]
The seeds of firm conviction already contain within them the flowers and fruits of happiness. But if we plant the seeds of self-doubt, naturally, only noxious weeds will sprout.
[Essay series, “Travels Around the Globe: My Home is the World,” Seikyo Shimbun, May 9, 2004]
There are times when victory or success can actually become the cause for future defeat or failure. Likewise, a defeat can become the cause for significant future victories.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 19, “Song of Triumph” chapter]
This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.
[Speech at HKSGI Representatives Meeting, Hong Kong, Feb. 21, 1998]
Though one may seem to have attained success for the moment, one will start to regress the instant one becomes careless and ceases making effort, beginning a slide toward defeat. . . . Those who are continually pressing ahead are genuinely successful.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 55]
When you devote yourself to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. Nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward along your chosen path with determination.
[Speech at Student Division Representatives Meeting, Tokyo, Jan. 26, 1996]
When you think, “I can’t do anymore. I need a break,” that is the time to challenge yourself to keep going another five minutes. Those who persevere for even an extra five minutes are admirable; they will win in life.
[Discussions on Youth]
While it is important to win, it’s even more important to remain undefeated no matter what happens.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 57]
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