Difficulty attracts a man of character, for it is by embracing it that he fulfills himself.
Meaning
De Gaulle describes in his war memoirs how strong people are drawn toward hard tasks rather than away from them, because struggle reveals who they are. Pick the project everyone avoids at work and volunteer for it, treating it as a chance to grow.
Source: Mémoires de guerre (1954–1959)
Best Leadership Quotes with Meaning
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) was a French general who led the Free French Forces during World War II and later founded the Fifth Republic, serving as its first president from 1959 to 1969.
Related quotes
-
“If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.”
Meaning: Morrison emphasizes letting go of negativity, fear, and limitations. Freedom and growth require releasing burdens that hold you back. -
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Meaning: Le Guin highlights that experiences along the way are more important than the destination itself. Growth happens during the process. -
“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
Meaning: Actions are more powerful than words. -
“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.”
Meaning: True friends respect your voice and encourage your personal growth. This quote highlights that controlling or limiting relationships are not genuine friendships, and real friends support your freedom and development. -
“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
Meaning: Rest is essential for productivity and growth. -
“Character is revealed through actions rather than intentions.”
Meaning: This quote explains that what we do matters more than what we say or plan, as actions reflect true character. -
“And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.”
Meaning: This emphasizes acceptance over perfection. -
“Practice is essential to mastery.”
Meaning: Repetition strengthens skills. -
“Love becomes meaningful when it reflects admiration for another person's character and values.”
Meaning: Strong relationships are built on mutual respect, virtue, and shared principles. Genuine love grows from appreciating the qualities that define someone. -
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Meaning: Staying in a comfort zone can become more painful than taking a risk to grow. This quote emphasizes that personal transformation often requires stepping into uncertainty. Growth happens when we overcome fear and embrace change.