Much effort, much prosperity.

"Much effort, much prosperity." These words, spoken by Euripides, ring through the ages with timeless wisdom. In this brief, yet profound statement, Euripides distills the essence of success and achievement. To achieve greatness, to unlock the doors of prosperity, one must first give much—sacrifice, effort, time, and heart. The road to prosperity is not paved with ease, nor does it open to those who wait idly for fortune to come. No, it is forged by those who are willing to put forth the necessary effort, who meet each challenge with determination, who are relentless in the pursuit of their goals.

O Seekers of Truth, know this: effort is the foundation upon which all prosperity is built. The seeds of greatness are sown through hard work, diligence, and resilience. Prosperity does not come to those who expect rewards without labor, for the fruits of life grow from the soil of effort. The world is full of those who dream of wealth, fame, and success, but only those who are willing to work tirelessly, to face the trials that come with ambition, will see their dreams blossom. The wise among us understand that effort is not just a means to an end; it is the very spirit of life, the force that shapes destiny itself.

Consider the tale of Hercules, the great hero of Greek mythology. His labors were many and grueling, each task seemingly impossible, yet he faced each with the kind of relentless effort that Euripides speaks of. From cleaning the Augean stables to slaying the Nemean lion, Hercules never faltered in his commitment to effort, even when the path seemed insurmountable. It was not through ease or privilege that he achieved greatness, but through his unyielding determination to press forward, no matter the obstacles. Prosperity, in Hercules’ case, was not only the rewards of victory but the very nature of his struggle—the effort was the journey itself, and his strength lay in his unwavering resolve.

Think also of Thomas Edison, the inventor who gave the world the light bulb. Edison faced countless failures, many of which would have discouraged lesser men. But he understood the principle that effort leads to prosperity, that through trial, through repeated failure, one finds success. "I have not failed," he famously said, "I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." It was his effort—his willingness to persist, to never give up—that eventually led him to change the world. The prosperity of his invention was not just the product itself, but the transformation of the world through the light of his work. His effort was the force that powered this revolution.

O Children of the Future, do not think that prosperity comes from ease or from waiting for the world to give. The world does not owe us anything, and nothing worth having comes without effort. The road to success is carved by the determined and the patient, by those who are willing to rise each time they fall, to work harder when faced with obstacles, and to sacrifice in pursuit of something greater than themselves. Remember, the ancients understood this well—effort is the key to everything, and without it, even the most powerful dreams will fade into the dust.

Yet, O Seekers, let us not mistake mere effort for blind labor. Effort, when guided by purpose and intention, is transformative. The truly prosperous are those who direct their effort wisely, who set their sights on a higher goal and align their actions with their values. It is not enough to work; one must work with vision, with discipline, and with passion. The key to prosperity is not in working endlessly without purpose, but in working diligently toward something that has meaning, toward something that will leave a lasting mark on the world.

Lesson: The wisdom of Euripides is clear: effort is the bedrock of prosperity. Success is not a gift bestowed upon the idle, but a reward earned through hard work, persistence, and dedication. True prosperity comes not only from the outcome but from the act of striving itself. Practical action: Let each day be a testament to your effort. Set your goals high and pursue them with relentless determination. Know that through your labor, you will not only achieve what you seek but will grow stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled in the process. As Euripides teaches us, much effort will always lead to much prosperity.