“Sum up at night what thou has done by day.”
Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury (1583–1648) Anglo-Welsh soldier, diplomat, historian, poet and religious philosopher
This line, in the more grammatical form, "Sum up at night what thou hast done by day", is from George Herbert's The Temple, The Church Porch, line 451.
Misattributed
Tsunetomo Yamamoto book Hagakure
Hagakure (c. 1716)
Context: Although all things are not to be judged in this manner, I mention it in the investigation of the Way of the Samurai. When the time comes, there is no moment for reasoning. And if you have not done your inquiring beforehand, there is most often shame. Reading books and listening to people's talk are for the purpose of prior resolution.
Above all, the Way of the Samurai should be in being aware that you do not know what is going to happen next, and in querying every item day and night. Victory and defeat are matters of the temporary force of circumstances.
“The day will happen
whether or not you get up”
John Ciardi (1916–1986) American poet, professor, translator
Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970) American musician, singer and songwriter
When asked if he considered himself "a disciplined guy — do you try to get up every day and work?" - YouTube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPrjyLhmcWI <br class="br">Dick Cavett interview (1969)
Frederick William Robertson (1816–1853) British writer and theologian
Source: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), P. 120.
“…when you get a good night's sleep and wake up ready to produce throughout the day.”
Stephen R. Covey book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Source: The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People (1989), p. 59
