All Things Are Difficult Before They Are Easy

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“All things are difficult before they are easy.” – Thomas Fuller

The Journey from Challenge to Mastery

The profound truth in Thomas Fuller’s words, “All things are difficult before they are easy,” resonates across various aspects of life. This saying encapsulates the universal experience of facing challenges and the subsequent journey towards overcoming them. It’s a reminder that the path to mastery, whether in skills, relationships, or personal growth, often begins with difficulty and struggle.

Consider learning a new language or musical instrument. Initially, the task seems daunting, filled with unfamiliar sounds and patterns. However, with persistent effort and practice, what was once difficult becomes more manageable and eventually, easy. This principle applies not just to acquiring new skills but also to overcoming life’s hurdles. The initial discomfort and struggle in facing a new challenge are natural, but they are also the first steps towards growth and proficiency.

Thomas Fuller: A Glimpse into His Life

Thomas Fuller, born on June 19, 1608, in Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, England, was a notable English churchman and historian, remembered for his writings that combined a deep understanding of human nature with a witty and engaging style. His work provides a valuable insight into the society and culture of 17th-century England.

Fuller was educated at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1625 and a Master of Arts in 1628. He was ordained as a deacon and then as a priest in the Church of England in 1629. Fuller’s early career was marked by his service in various parishes, where he gained a reputation as a preacher and scholar.

His first major work, “The History of the Holy War” (1639), was a history of the Crusades. It showcased his skill in blending serious scholarship with a lively and anecdotal style, making historical events accessible and entertaining to his readers. This style became a hallmark of his later works.

Fuller’s most significant work, “The Worthies of England,” published posthumously in 1662, remains his most enduring legacy. This comprehensive study of the notable figures and characteristics of each county in England is notable for its rich detail and engaging anecdotes. It reflects Fuller’s deep love for and knowledge of his country, its history, and its people.

During the English Civil War, Fuller took a moderate Royalist position. He served as a chaplain for the Royalist army but was known for his efforts to avoid the extremes of political and religious factionalism. His “The Church History of Britain” (1655), from the birth of Jesus Christ until 1648, was a major work of ecclesiastical history, providing a detailed account of the English church from its earliest days through the tumultuous period of the Reformation and up to the Civil War.

Fuller was also known for his collection of proverbs and sayings, “Gnomologia” (1732), which was published after his death. This collection has been a rich source of wisdom and has been quoted extensively over the centuries.

Thomas Fuller’s life was a blend of scholarly pursuit and active ministry. He died on August 16, 1661, in London. His works, particularly his histories and collections of sayings, have continued to be read and appreciated for their unique combination of historical insight, moral reflection, and a lively, engaging style. His ability to capture the essence of human experience in witty and pithy sayings has made him a frequently quoted author over the centuries.

His life and work were marked by his efforts to remain impartial and fair in his writings during a period of intense political and religious strife. He navigated through the difficulties of his era, contributing significantly to literature and history, and in doing so, found a way to make complex historical events more accessible and understandable.

Historical Example I: The Wright Brothers

The journey of the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, in inventing the first successful airplane, is a perfect embodiment of Fuller’s saying. Their initial experiments with flying machines were fraught with failures and setbacks. Each failed attempt, however, brought new understanding and knowledge. Their persistence and willingness to learn from each difficulty eventually led to the historic first flight in 1903. This breakthrough transformed the world, showing that what begins as a difficult endeavor can lead to groundbreaking achievements.

Historical Example II: Marie Curie

Marie Curie, born Maria Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland, in 1867, faced numerous challenges throughout her life and career. In her early years, she struggled with the limitations placed on women’s education in Russian-occupied Poland. Despite these barriers, she was determined to pursue higher education, which led her to move to Paris and enroll at the Sorbonne.

Curie’s early days in Paris were marked by financial hardship and health problems due to poor living conditions. She lived in a cold attic room and often had to survive on meager meals. Despite these difficulties, she excelled in her studies, earning a master’s degree in physics in 1893 and another in mathematics the following year.

The most significant challenges came with her scientific work. Alongside her husband, Pierre Curie, she embarked on groundbreaking research into radioactivity (a term she coined). Their work was laborious and demanding, involving the processing of tons of pitchblende to isolate minute quantities of radium. This process was not only physically exhausting but also hazardous, as the effects of radiation exposure were not yet understood.

Despite these difficulties, Marie Curie’s perseverance and dedication led to extraordinary discoveries, including the isolation of polonium (named after her native Poland) and radium. These achievements earned her two Nobel Prizes: one in Physics (1903, shared with her husband and Henri Becquerel) and another in Chemistry (1911), making her the first person and the only woman to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.

Marie Curie’s journey from struggling student and impoverished researcher to one of the most celebrated scientists in history exemplifies Thomas Fuller’s saying. Her initial difficulties and challenges laid the groundwork for her eventual success and groundbreaking contributions to science.

Daily Affirmation

“I embrace the challenges I face, knowing they are the stepping stones to my success. Each difficulty is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become more skilled. I am patient and persistent in my journey towards ease and mastery.”

A List Of Further Quotes By Thomas Fuller

“He that travels much knows much.”
“If you have one true friend you have more than your share.”
“A good garden may have some weeds.”
“Contentment consists not in adding more fuel, but in taking away some fire.”
“He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea.”
“A conservative believes nothing should be done for the first time.”
“Great hopes make great men.”
“Health is not valued till sickness comes.”
“Anger is one of the sinews of the soul.”

Further Inspirational Quotes

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan