Energy

Talent matters. Practice matters. But nothing lifts a room, a team, or a classroom like energy. This week's quotes come from writers, athletes, and entrepreneurs who all noticed the same thing: the person who cares the most usually wins.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

> Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

American essayist and philosopher, 1803–1882

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Oprah Winfrey

> Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.

American media leader and philanthropist, b. 1954

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Norman Vincent Peale

> Enthusiasm makes ordinary people extraordinary.

American minister and author of The Power of Positive Thinking, 1898–1993

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Aristotle

> Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

Ancient Greek philosopher, 384–322 BCE

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Steve Jobs

> The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

Co-founder of Apple, 1955–2011

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Bonus: Colin Powell

> Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

U.S. Secretary of State and 4-star general, 1937–2021

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Try This at Home or in the Classroom

Ask a young person: "When do you feel most alive — most 'you'?" Read them the Emerson line. Then ask: "How could you bring 10% more of that energy to something you have to do this week?"

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These quotes come from 120 Positive Quotes for Kids by Robert Parker-Cross.

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