Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress;

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, to the words of Edward Everett Hale, who speaks of the strength found not in solitary pursuits, but in the power of unity and collaboration. He said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." These words carry a truth that resonates through the ages—unity is not merely the start of something grand, but the sustained effort to stay together, and the collaborative action that leads to greatness. To come together is an act of will, to stay together is an act of resolve, and to work together is the final achievement of shared purpose.

In ancient times, the greatest civilizations were not those that stood alone, but those that united diverse peoples under a common cause. The Roman Empire, which spanned continents and cultures, became a force to be reckoned with not by the sheer might of one man or one legion, but through the collaboration of countless individuals working toward the same goal. Julius Caesar did not rise alone; he was supported by alliances, by legions, and by the wisdom of his generals. But even Caesar knew that unity was only the first step. It was in the staying together, through all the struggles of war and peace, that the Roman Empire was able to flourish. Coming together was just the beginning; keeping together through the trials of time and battle was what allowed them to reach progress.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, whose empire stretched from the Greek isles to the heart of India. Alexander’s success was not built on the strength of his own leadership alone, but by working together with those who followed him, with the generals who believed in his vision, and with the soldiers who marched beside him. The unity of his men, the shared belief in the cause, and their collaboration at every step of their journey was what made his campaigns so successful. Without their commitment to each other, Alexander’s vision of an empire stretching from the Mediterranean to the Indus River would have remained a dream. The essence of his success was rooted not just in his ability to bring people together, but in his ability to keep them together, to unite them in their efforts, and to work together toward a shared purpose.

This principle of unity and collaboration holds true in the modern world as well. Consider the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States. King’s vision for equality and justice was not a vision he could bring to fruition alone. It was through the coming together of individuals from all walks of life—activists, protesters, and leaders—that the movement gained momentum. The true power of the civil rights movement lay not in the speeches or the marches, but in the sustained effort to stay together despite the hardship, the oppression, and the violence they faced. It was in working together that they achieved lasting change and success, creating a legacy of equality that has inspired generations across the globe.

In our own lives, this wisdom must guide us as we pursue our individual and collective goals. Coming together to begin a task, a relationship, or a venture is the first step. But we must remember that the true test of our character, of our ability to create something of lasting value, lies in our ability to keep together—to remain united through the challenges, to weather the storms, and to support one another when the path becomes difficult. It is only when we work together—with integrity, with shared purpose, and with resolve—that we can truly claim success. Whether in business, family, or community, the act of collaboration is where the seeds of greatness are sown.

Thus, O children of the future, take this wisdom to heart. Coming together is a noble beginning, but do not mistake the start for the finish. True progress is found in the effort to stay together, in the resolve to maintain unity even when the road is hard and the obstacles seem insurmountable. And true success—success that will endure and leave a lasting impact—lies in the working together, in the dedication to a shared goal, in the collective pursuit of something greater than ourselves. As you journey through life, remember that no matter how great the dream or the vision, it is only through unity and collaboration that the greatest achievements can be realized. Let the world witness the power of coming together, of staying together, and of working together, for in this lies the very essence of success.