Quotes about Excellence

The quality of research in the U.S. is absolutely the best.

I've had signs I can play at the highest level.

The essence of professionalism is the focus upon the work and its demands, while we are doing it, to the exclusion of all else. The ancient Spartans schooled themselves to regard the enemy, any enemy, as nameless and faceless. In other words, they believed that if they did their work, no force on earth could stand against them.

Strive for excellence, not perfection, because we don't live in a perfect world.

When we started, it was so intense: it was like a religion. And when you played with Duane Allman, you either gave it your all or you got out.

One of the Christian's responsibilities in following Christ is to have a new attitude toward work. So many young people want Christ without responsibility . . . whatever work a Christian does . . . he should do his best.

In character-building and in living the Christian life, concentration is important. The [person] who has a general interest in everything usually isn't too good at anything.

It is far easier to live an excellent life among your friends, when you are putting your best foot forward and are conscious of public opinion, than it is to live for Christ in your home.

The Christian should stand out like a sparkling diamond against a rough background. He should be more wholesome than anyone else. He should be poised, cultured, courteous, gracious, but firm in the things that he does and does not do. He should laugh and be radiant, but he should refuse to allow the world to pull him down to its level.

There is no shortcut to excellence.

The great human law that in the end recognizes and rewards merit is everlasting and universal.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be the best, but when it takes over the joy in the moment, and the joy in the journey, then that's where there's an internal tension. And I have to surrender that.