Introduction:
Discouragement is an inevitable part of the human experience, a persistent companion that often emerges in the face of challenges, setbacks, or moments of doubt. It’s a feeling that can weigh heavily on the spirit, casting shadows on our aspirations and clouding our vision of the future. Yet, within the depths of discouragement lie profound opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. It is in these moments that we unearth the strength to persevere, to redefine our paths, and to emerge stronger and wiser than before.
In exploring discouragement, we uncover the universal truths of the human condition the struggle, the resilience, and the capacity for transformation. Through the words of poets, philosophers, and ordinary individuals who have navigated the labyrinth of discouragement, we find solace, wisdom, and inspiration. These quotes serve as beacons of light in the darkness, offering guidance, perspective, and the reassurance that we are not alone in our struggles. Here, we gather a collection of poignant and thought-provoking quotes on discouragement, each offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit.
The most essential factor is persistence – the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come. James Whitcomb Riley
I think a big test we all face in life on a regular basis is that discouragement test. Life’s not always fair, but I believe if you keep doing the right thing, God will get you to where you are. Joel Osteen
In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing. Vincent Van Gogh
Not many people know my father was an actor. He was the Artful Dodger in ‘Oliver!,’ and was in a film called ‘Frauds,’ too. It’s interesting talking to him about acting, how much you can get turned down, and how not to take that as a discouragement. It’s nice to have that element to relate to for us both. Lily Collins
No one in my family was a reader of literary fiction. So, I didn’t have encouragement, but I didn’t have discouragement, because I don’t think anybody knew what that meant. Amy Tan
Not only is our love for our children sometimes tinged with annoyance, discouragement, and disappointment, the same is true for the love our children feel for us. Bruno Bettelheim
Discouragement, if pursued, is the exercise of an option: to turn from creative to noncreative mental activity, to turn from what is present to what is over, to turn from that which builds to that which destroys. Hugh Prather
In spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result. Joseph B. Wirthlin
The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’ Billy Graham
Discouragement is not the absence of adequacy but the absence of courage. Neal A. Maxwell
Disappointment is inevitable. But to become discouraged, there’s a choice I make. God would never discourage me. He would always point me to himself to trust him. Therefore, my discouragement is from Satan. As you go through the emotions that we have, hostility is not from God, bitterness, unforgiveness, all of these are attacks from Satan. Charles Stanley
All the adversity and discouragement is trying to cloud your mind. But I learned to deal with it. In the end, I’m happy and thankful and blessed. Shaun Livingston
Being alone with fear can rapidly turn into panic. Being alone with frustration can rapidly turn into anger. Being alone with disappointment can rapid turn into discouragement and, even worse, despair. Mark Goulston
I think the most dangerous influence for a young writer is to be treated with cynicism or discouragement. Jane Gardam
Defeat should never be a source of discouragement but rather a fresh stimulus. Robert South
Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. Dale Carnegie
Is encouragement what the poet needs? Open question. Maybe he needs discouragement. In fact, quite a few of them need more discouragement, the most discouragement possible. Robert Fitzgerald
I find the most difficult part of writing is to get it down initially because what you have written is usually so terrible that it’s disheartening; you don’t want to go on. That’s what I think is hard – the discouragement that comes from seeing what you have done. James Salter
In many Asian households, to not go on to higher education, that’s like a big no-no. I know my parents’ discouragement was for my own protection, and I’m really close to them now, but they didn’t understand that there is value in this. That’s because they didn’t know. Sandra Oh
In a single moment we can understand we are not just facing a knee pain, or our discouragement and our wishing the sitting would end, but that right in the moment of seeing that knee pain, we’re able to explore the teachings of the Buddha. What does it mean to have a painful experience? What does it mean to hate it, and to fear it? Sharon Salzberg
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a boy, though it seemed an unlikely outcome since I showed no real talent. But I persevered and eventually found my own row to hoe. Ignorance of other writers’ work keeps me from discouragement and I am less well-read than the average bus driver. Garrison Keillor
Depression begins with disappointment. When disappointment festers in our soul, it leads to discouragement. Joyce Meyer
I’m dense when it comes to discouragement. Lynn Abbey
Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever. Brennan Manning
To battle the odds – loss of interest, no funding, discouragement – requires someone who doesn’t give up. Craig Zadan
I remember teachers who really singled me out for their discouragement. Francis Ford Coppola
I think that for a lot of women there’s a subtle but unfortunately effective discouragement of women pursuing the STEM fields. Jennifer Doudna
Every great work, every big accomplishment, has been brought into manifestation through holding to the vision, and often just before the big achievement, comes apparent failure and discouragement. Florence Scovel Shinn
Discouragement, fear, doubt, lack of self-confidence, are the germs which have killed the prosperity and happiness of tens of thousands of people. Orison Swett Marden
Trouble has no necessary connection with discouragement. Discouragement has a germ of its own, as different from trouble as arthritis is different from a stiff joint. F. Scott Fitzgerald
There has always been discouragement, negativism, and temptation in the world because of Lucifer. Joseph B. Wirthlin
