"It is energy - the central element of which is will - that produces the miracle that is enthusiasm in all ages. Everywhere it is what is called force of character and the sustaining power of all great action"
About this Quote
Smiles is selling a Victorian engine of the soul: enthusiasm as something manufactured, not received. The key move is his definition-by-alchemy - energy has a “central element,” will, and when the ingredients combine they yield a “miracle.” That little rhetorical sleight of hand does a lot of work. Calling enthusiasm a miracle flatters it with spiritual prestige, then immediately drags it back into the realm of discipline and self-command. The transcendent becomes trainable.
The intent is unmistakably prescriptive. Smiles isn’t describing temperament; he’s building a moral technology for action. “All ages” and “everywhere” widen the claim into a kind of portable doctrine, as if character were a universal fuel source. Yet the subtext is deeply of its time: mid-19th century Britain, when industrial expansion, social mobility, and evangelical self-help culture fused into a belief that individual will could outrun class, luck, or structural constraint. Smiles, famous for Self-Help, is effectively arguing that the inner engine matters more than the outer conditions.
Notice the militarized language: “force of character,” “sustaining power,” “great action.” This is enthusiasm stripped of whimsy. It’s not fandom or feeling; it’s stamina disguised as inspiration. The phrase “what is called” also signals a canny distance from mere labeling - he’s implying that “character” is society’s name for a measurable capability: staying power under pressure.
In practice, the quote functions as both pep talk and social ethic. It dignifies striving, sanctifies perseverance, and quietly implies that failure is less tragedy than insufficient will - a bracing message, and a conveniently moralizing one.
The intent is unmistakably prescriptive. Smiles isn’t describing temperament; he’s building a moral technology for action. “All ages” and “everywhere” widen the claim into a kind of portable doctrine, as if character were a universal fuel source. Yet the subtext is deeply of its time: mid-19th century Britain, when industrial expansion, social mobility, and evangelical self-help culture fused into a belief that individual will could outrun class, luck, or structural constraint. Smiles, famous for Self-Help, is effectively arguing that the inner engine matters more than the outer conditions.
Notice the militarized language: “force of character,” “sustaining power,” “great action.” This is enthusiasm stripped of whimsy. It’s not fandom or feeling; it’s stamina disguised as inspiration. The phrase “what is called” also signals a canny distance from mere labeling - he’s implying that “character” is society’s name for a measurable capability: staying power under pressure.
In practice, the quote functions as both pep talk and social ethic. It dignifies striving, sanctifies perseverance, and quietly implies that failure is less tragedy than insufficient will - a bracing message, and a conveniently moralizing one.
Quote Details
| Topic | Motivational |
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