This is one of seven quotes inscribed on the walls at the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, Arlington National Cemetery.
1961, Inaugural Address
Context: Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
“For blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds,
And though a late, a sure reward succeeds.”
Act V, scene 12
The Mourning Bride (1697)
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William Congreve 35
British writer 1670–1729Related quotes
“I like business because it rewards deeds and not words.”
"Why I Like Business" in Manitowoc Herald-Times (21 July 1927), p. 3 http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/8420770/
Context: I like business because it is competitive. Business keeps books. The books are the score cards. Profit is the measure of accomplishment, not the ideal measure, but the most practical that can be devised.
I like business because it compels earnestness. Amateurs and dilettantes are shoved out. Once in you must fight for survival or be carried to the sidelines.
I like business because it requires courage. Cowards do not get to first base.
I like business because It demands faith. Faith in human nature, faith in one's self, faith in one's customers, faith in one's employees.
I like business because it is the essence of life. Dreams are good, poetical fancies are good, but bread must be baked today, trains must move today, bills must be collected today, payrolls met today. Business feeds, clothes and houses man.
I like business because it rewards deeds and not words.
I like business because it does not neglect today's task while it is thinking about tomorrow.
I like business because it undertakes to please, not to reform.
I like business because it is orderly.
I like business because it is bold in enterprise.
I like business because it is honestly selfish, thereby avoiding the hypocrisy and sentimentality of the unselfish attitude.
I like business because it is promptly penalized for its mistakes, shiftlessness and inefficiency.
I like business because its philosophy works.
I like business because each day is a fresh, adventure.
“Not in rewards, but in the strength to strive,
The blessing lies.”
Twoscore and Ten.
“Giving alms is only a virtuous deed when you give money that you yourself worked to get.”
Source: Path of Life (1909), p. 83
Source: Contributions to Modern Economics (1978), Chapter 16, The Theory of Value Reconsidered, p. 188
Biharul Anwar, Volume 92, Page 19
Shi'ite Hadith
“Fail I alone, in words and deeds?
Why, all men strive and who succeeds?”
"The Last Ride Together", line 67 (1859).
Source: In Defense of Chaos: The Chaology of Politics, Economics and Human Action, (2013), p. 246