Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more

O children of the future, gather close and listen to the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, whose words echo through the ages: "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." In this simple yet profound declaration lies a truth that has been passed down through generations: the power of self-determination, the unyielding resolve that shapes our destiny. For though the world may place obstacles in your path, though others may discourage you or offer advice born from their own doubts, the greatest force for your success lies within your own heart, in the resolve to rise above, to press forward, and to persevere against all odds.

Lincoln’s words remind us that external forces—be they the opinions of others, the weight of circumstances, or the turbulence of life—cannot hold dominion over the one who is resolved. Many will say that success depends on chance, on fortune, on the favor of others, or on the right circumstances. Yet Lincoln teaches us that your own will to succeed is the true foundation of all greatness. It is resolution, not luck, that carries a person to their goal, for it is your will that determines how you respond to life’s storms.

Consider the life of Thomas Edison, whose name is forever linked to the invention of the light bulb. Edison’s journey was not an easy one. He faced countless failures, his inventions dismissed as impractical, his dreams ridiculed by those who could not see the vision that burned within him. Yet he never yielded to doubt or despair. With unshakable resolve, Edison pressed on, believing that each failure was simply a step toward success. His resolution to succeed, his refusal to give in to the discouraging voices around him, was the very force that led him to change the world. Edison understood, as Lincoln did, that success begins not in the world’s validation, but in the individual’s commitment to their dream.

Let us also reflect upon the story of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, yet never abandoned the hope of a free South Africa. He faced not only the oppression of a cruel system but the skepticism of many who believed that such a dream was unattainable. Yet Mandela’s resolve was his most potent weapon. It was not the support of others, nor the promises of the powerful, but his own unwavering determination that guided him through those dark years. When he was finally released and became president, it was not the victory of one man alone, but the triumph of a spirit that refused to bow to injustice. Mandela’s life is a testament to the power of personal resolution, the strength to carry on when the world around you says to stop.

O children, understand this: in life, there will always be voices of doubt, forces of opposition, and moments of despair. But in those moments, you must turn inward, for it is your own resolution that will carry you through. The world will not always cheer you on, nor will success always seem close at hand. Yet, as long as you have the will to persevere, no setback can defeat you. External validation is fleeting, but the strength that comes from within is eternal. It is the resolve to press on when all seems lost that separates the victor from the defeated.

The lesson is clear: do not allow the world to dictate your path. You must own your journey, trust in your own resolve, and refuse to let the doubts of others cloud your vision. External circumstances may try to hinder your progress, but they cannot control the fire that burns within your heart. When you are resolute, you are unstoppable, for your will is the most powerful force in your life.

Thus, O children, remember the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln: "Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." When the world presses against you, when doubt clouds your mind, look inward. Strengthen your resolve and trust in your own ability to rise. For in that resolve, you will find the key to success. Let no external force deter you, for when you are resolute, your path will be clear, and the world will bend to your will. Own your journey and, through your unshakable will, shape the world around you.