Before I came here, I used to study English in the New Oriental English School, which focuses on directing those who want to participate in TOEFL or GRE, and that kind of things. My vocabulary teacher told us his motto, " If I rest, I rust." He deemed that it would be an excellent motto for those who are afflicted with the slightest taint of sloth. Even the industrious might adopt it with advantage to serve as a reminder that, if one allows his faculties to rest, like the iron in the unused key, they will soon show signs of rust, and ultimately, cannot do the work required of them.
Those who would reache the heights reached and maitained by the great must keep their abilities polished by continuous use, so that they may open the doors of knowledge, the gates that guard the entrances to the professions, to science, art, every department of human endeavor.
Deligency keeps bright the key that opens the treasure of achievement. If, Isaac Newton had just sat under the tree, only to have a rest, he would not notice the apple falling down and might not unveil the mystery of the laws of gravity. Had the little Scotch lad, Ferguson, allowed the busy brain to go to sleep while he tended sheep on the hillside, instead of calculating the position of the stars by a string of beads, he would never have become a famous astronomer.
Labor conquers all, but not inconstant, or ill-directed labor; but faithful, unremitting, daily effort toward a well-directed purpose. Just as truly as eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, so is eternal industry the price of noble and enduring success.
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I am deeply impressed by your strong vocabulary. However, I have found some typos, so it may be beneficial to proofread your blog before posting it. I really agree on your argument. It is true people tend to lose their abilities if they just rest on their laurels. Our brains are like swords, requiring polishing everyday. Thanks to your reminder, I will go on to challenge myself.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said make big sense to me. It made me reflect on myself. I think if we spare no efforts to pursue our goals, we will achieve them ultimately. If we stop endeavoring, the dreams will never come true.
ReplyDeleteYou have given a very vivid example. Our brain just resembles a key. When we use it often, it will be polished often so that it will not rust. Nevertheless, when we put it away, as a result, it will rust soon and cannot be used any more. Consequently, we should just use our brain never ever stop, if we do not want it to rust.
In this aspect, I’m concerned that you have done very well.
As for me, I think I might as well study more hard to keep my brain sharp enough, as well as improve myself.
Anyway, thanks for your blog, which impresses me a lot.