Vivekananda on work and success

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 1, Pratyahara and DharanaSee the check

Do one thing at a time and while doing it put your whole soul into it to the exclusion of all else.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 6, On Raja-yogaSee the check

Always first learn to be a servant, and then you will be fit to be a master.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 3, Vedantism

You must remember that all work is simply to bring out the power of the mind which is already there, to wake up the soul.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 1, Karma in its Effect on Character

Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 2, The Cosmos: the MicrocosmSee the check

The great secret of true success, of true happiness, then, is this: the man who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish man, is the most successful.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 2, Work and its SecretSee the check

Each work has to pass through these stages, ridicule, opposition, and then acceptance.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 5, Epistles, First Series, XLVIISee the check

Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success and, above all, love.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 6, Epistles, Second Series, LISee the check

Never mind failures; they are quite natural, they are the beauty of life, these failures.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 2, God in EverythingSee the check

We are responsible for what we are; and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 1, Karma in its Effect on CharacterSee the check

You should work like a master and not as a slave; work incessantly, but do not do slave's work.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 1, The Secret of Work

If you want to do a great or a good work, do not trouble to think what the result will be.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 1, Karma in its Effect on Character

The only way to rise is by doing the duty next to us, and thus gathering strength go on until we reach the highest state.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 1, What Is Duty?

Hold on to your own ideas with strength and purity, and whatever obstructions may now be in your way, the world is bound to listen to you in the long run.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 5, Epistles, First Series, LIV

Ask nothing; want nothing in return. Give what you have to give

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 2, Work and its SecretSee the check

Neither seek nor avoid, take what comes.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 7, Recorded by Miss S. E. Waldo (a Disciple)See the check

This world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 5, Sayings and UtterancesSee the check

Condemn none; if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 2, Practical VedantaSee the check

They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 4, Our Duty to the MassesSee the check

When there is conflict between the heart and the brain, let the heart be followed

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 1, Steps to Realisation

We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care of what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live, they travel far.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 7, Recorded by Miss S. E. Waldo (a Disciple)See the check

The fire that warms us can also consume us; it is not the fault of the fire.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 2, RealisationSee the check

Great results are attained only by great patience, great courage, and great attempts.

In his wordsComplete Works, vol 5, Epistles, First Series, XLIII