“Learn to take rejection, keep fit and work only with the best in your field.”

“Don't take shadows too seriously. Reality is your only safety. Continue to reject illusion.”

Wole Soyinka (1934) Nigerian writer

“Patriotism, in the trenches, was too remote a sentiment, and at once rejected as fit only for civilians, or prisoners.”

Robert Graves (1895–1985) English poet and novelist

“Thou too take courage, wealth despise,
And fit thee to ascend the skies,
Nor be a poor man's courtesies
Rejected or disdained.”

John Conington (1825–1869) British classical scholar

“Rather than let the rejections deter you from your objectives, simply aim to learn what the rejections teach you.”

Nigel Cumberland (1967) British author and leadership coach

“One of the best means for arousing the wish to work on yourself is to realize that you may die at any moment. But first you must learn how to keep it in mind.”

G. I. Gurdjieff (1866–1949) influential spiritual teacher, Armenian philosopher, composer and writer

“You are only three or four hours from taking your glasses off for keeps.”

L. Ron Hubbard (1911–1986) American science fiction author, philosopher, cult leader, and the founder of the Church of Scientology

“The best thing you can do is just keep busy, keep working hard, so you’re not dwelling on it all the time. Work is the best antidote for sorrow.”

Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”

Epictetus (50–138) philosopher from Ancient Greece

“Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.”

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) French poet, novelist, dramatist, designer, boxing manager and filmmaker