Habits, Character and Destiny!

"Vellathanayathu malar neetham manthartham
ullatha nayathu uyarvu."
- from Thirukural by Thiru Valluvar

Loosely translated it means,
"Height of a flower (lotus) is decided by the depth of the water
People's greatness is decided by their virtuous character."

Its amazing how Valluvar did not mention talent, intelligence, hard work, courage, charity, education, wealth or any other quality as the deciding factor for one's greatness in life. He singled out the Character as the quality that determines the height of achievements.

This idea seems to have been broken down further in the West.

Watch your thoughts, for they become words
Watch your words, for they become actions
Watch your actions, for they become habits
Watch your habits, for they become character
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny
-unknown

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race"
- Calvin Coolidge