As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.
The decisive question for man is: Is he related to something infinite or not? That is the telling question of his life.
In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
The man who dies rich dies disgraced.
A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.
No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.
If you get up in the morning and think the future is going to be better, it is a bright day. Otherwise, it's not.
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.
A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.
I am a craftsman. But my craft changes the world.
Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.
Off with you! You're a happy fellow, for you'll give happiness and joy to many other people. There is nothing better or greater than that!
Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
Don't count the days; make the days count.
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.
The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.
I have always kept one end in view, namely, to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God.
Soli Deo Gloria.
I wanted to become a theologian; for a long time I was unhappy. Now, behold, God is praised by my work even in astronomy.
God gave me my money.
Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim.
Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.
If your bliss is just your fun and your excitement, you're on the wrong track.
I still think of that guy I was without a wife or kids, and I still want to entertain that guy. The lonely guy, the frustrated guy.
They never fail who die in a great cause.
No bodily thing was born for us to use. Nature had no such aim, but what was born creates the use.
Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.
Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the waters of life.
Either I act or I die.
Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.
If someday they say of me that in my work I have contributed something to the welfare and happiness of my fellow man, I shall be satisfied.
If some day they say of me that with the airbrake I contributed something to civilization, something to the safety of human life, it will be sufficient.
Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life.
There is no reality except in action.
The only purpose of advertising is to make sales. It is profitable or unprofitable according to its actual sales.
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
We must cultivate our garden.
Our labour preserves us from three great evils - weariness, vice, and want.
I am a composer, and I was born a Kapellmeister. I must not and cannot bury my gift for composing.
The big question of our time is not 'Can it be built?' but 'Should it be built?'
Begin with the end in mind.
People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
