“Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by a horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.”
What this quote means
Dale Carnegie's quote identifies the winning combination for success: flaming enthusiasm, backed by horse sense (practical wisdom) and persistence. Enthusiasm alone can fade, but when supported by reason and constancy, it becomes a powerful force. Horse sense allows for informed decisions, while persistence ensures continuity in the face of obstacles. This synergy is more reliable than raw talent or mere luck. It applies to any endeavor, as it combines heart and mind.
How to apply it daily
Before starting a project, assess your enthusiasm level. If it's low, find an aspect that excites you. Then create a sensible plan and commit to following it.
Reading guide
Which book should you read to discover Dale Carnegie?
Our starting point
Improving listening and everyday relationships
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Its very concrete principles let you quickly move from a quotation to an experiment in real life.
- Level
- Accessible
- Reading time
- 8–10 hours
- Formats to compare
- Print · Ebook · Audio
Merchant links help compare editions. Recommendations are editorially independent.
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More quotes by Dale Carnegie
“Believe you will be successful and you will.”Create visual
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”Create visual
“The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.”Create visual
“The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.”Create visual