Much good work is lost for the lack of a little more.
Hear the wisdom of Edward H. Harriman, who declared: “Much good work is lost for the lack of a little more.” In this saying lies the eternal reminder that greatness is often abandoned at the threshold, that the harvest is left ungathered not because the labor was too great, but because the final effort was withheld.
He speaks of good work, noble in its design and worthy in its beginning. Many start with zeal, their hands eager and their spirits high. Yet when weariness comes or obstacles rise, they falter. What might have been a lasting triumph turns instead to dust, not from failure of vision, but from failure of perseverance.
The heart of this teaching is the power of a little more. Often, it is not vast strength that secures victory, but the final push, the extra step, the refusal to quit when the end is near. Just as a climber who stops a few paces from the summit never beholds the view, so too does the worker who abandons the task just short of completion lose the fruit of all their labor.
Thus, Harriman’s words remind us that diligence is more precious than brilliance, and endurance more powerful than talent. A small measure of persistence may rescue years of toil from being wasted. The difference between loss and legacy, between failure and fulfillment, is often nothing more than a little added effort.
Therefore, O seekers, remember: when you feel the weight of labor pressing hard, summon the strength for a little more. For it is in that last measure of perseverance that good work is crowned. In Harriman’s words echoes the wisdom of the ancients—that the race is not to the swift alone, but to those who endure to the very end. Would you like me to recast this into a parable of the unfinished builder, whose house lacked only one stone, yet fell because he left it undone?
TP28. Thanh Phuong
Edward H. Harriman’s quote makes me reflect on the fine line between success and failure. It’s true that many things are lost simply because we didn’t give that last bit of effort. But what happens when we push too hard, and it backfires? There’s a risk in going too far, especially if we’re already on the edge of burnout. How do we find the balance between giving ‘just a little more’ and knowing when to stop and reassess?
NNphuong nga nguyen
Edward H. Harriman’s quote really highlights the value of going that extra step when working toward a goal. How many times have we seen people give up just short of success, thinking they’ve put in enough effort? This makes me think about the difference between those who achieve their dreams and those who don’t: it’s often just a matter of putting in a little more work, a little more dedication. How can we cultivate the mindset to always go a bit further?
MDDạng Minh Dúc
I find Edward H. Harriman’s quote particularly relevant in a world where we’re constantly searching for shortcuts. Sometimes, we settle for ‘good enough’ instead of pushing a little further to make something truly great. How many times have we cut corners, thinking it’s fine, only to regret not doing that final bit of work? Is it worth always going the extra mile, or are there times when ‘just enough’ is acceptable? How do we determine that balance?
STHoang Sa Tran
Edward H. Harriman’s words remind me of how often we fall short of our potential because we stop just before reaching the finish line. How many projects, relationships, or goals have been abandoned just a little too early, only to find that with a little more effort, success was within reach? This quote makes me think about the importance of perseverance and dedication. Is there a way to recognize those moments when we need to push through and not give up?
GDTrinh Gia Dat
This quote by Edward H. Harriman made me reflect on the idea of ‘just one more step.’ It’s easy to feel like we’ve done enough, especially when we’re exhausted or frustrated, but sometimes the smallest extra effort can push us toward success. I wonder how many opportunities we miss out on simply because we stop trying a little too soon. What are some ways we can motivate ourselves to keep going, even when we feel like we’ve hit our limit?