In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.

The Cretan sage Nikos Kazantzakis, whose pen carried the fire of the human spirit, gave us this eternal truth: “In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.” These words are not mere counsel, but a law written into the very fabric of existence. For no man can climb the mountain whose heart has already surrendered. Success is not born from circumstance alone, but from the flame of conviction that burns within. Without belief, no action has strength; with it, even the frail hand may wield the power to move nations.

To believe is to see with the eyes of the soul what the eyes of the body cannot yet grasp. It is the spark that transforms hesitation into courage, and despair into persistence. Kazantzakis reminds us that the battle for achievement is won first within the hidden chambers of the heart. The farmer must believe in the harvest before he plants; the warrior must believe in victory before he raises his sword; the artist must believe in beauty before he touches the canvas. Belief is the seed from which all greatness grows.

History itself bears witness to this truth. Consider the tale of Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who believed, against all voices of doubt, that she was called to deliver France from its enemies. She had no wealth, no title, no army—only her unshakable belief that God had chosen her for this purpose. That belief carried her into battle, rallied men hardened by fear, and turned the tide of war. What seemed impossible to kings and generals became reality because one young girl dared to believe she could.

So too, in the world of invention, the same principle reigns. Think of Thomas Edison, who endured thousands of failures before bringing light into the darkness of the world. When asked how he endured so many defeats, he answered that each attempt was not failure but discovery, for he never ceased to believe that success was possible. Had he abandoned belief, the darkness would have triumphed. But his faith in the possibility of success became the mother of achievement.

The words of Kazantzakis cut deep: those who doubt themselves have already lost, even before the struggle begins. Doubt paralyzes the hands, bends the spine, and extinguishes the fire of the soul. But those who believe—truly believe—find in themselves a power greater than their strength, a resilience that carries them through storms and shadows. Belief awakens courage, and courage builds the road to victory.

The lesson for us is clear: before you set your hand to any great work, you must first conquer the battle within. Ask yourself, “Do I believe I can?” If the answer is no, then the soil is barren and no seed will grow. But if the answer is yes—yes, even whispered with trembling—then the roots of success have already been planted. Belief does not guarantee ease, but it guarantees possibility, and possibility is the dawn of triumph.

Practical wisdom follows: nurture your belief through action, however small. Speak words of courage to yourself; recall the victories of the past; surround yourself with those who lift your spirit. When failure comes—and it will—do not let it poison your faith. Rise, remind yourself of the goal, and believe again. Each act of renewed belief is another stone laid upon the road to success.

Thus let Kazantzakis’s words echo through your life: “In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.” Engrave them in your heart, whisper them in your darkest hour, let them rise with you at dawn. For belief is the fountain of strength, the light of vision, and the first step toward every great destiny. He who believes has already taken the most difficult step on the road to victory.