What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists
What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.
Alexander Graham Bell, seeker of invention and voice-bearer of mankind, declares with awe: “What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.” In these words, he speaks of the mysterious force that awakens when desire and determination join hands. It is not magic, nor chance, but a hidden power of the human spirit, revealed only to those who refuse surrender.
The ancients knew of this power, though they named it by many titles. The Greeks called it thumos, the fire of the will that drives a man to endure hardship for his chosen goal. The Romans honored it as virtus, the strength of spirit that makes persistence greater than fate. Bell, though a man of science, here touches upon the same eternal law: that when the heart is fixed and the will unyielding, unseen forces seem to bend in assistance, opening paths where none seemed to exist.
History resounds with proof. Consider Christopher Columbus, who, despite ridicule and denial, held fast to his vision of a western passage to new lands. He faced rejection from kings, storms at sea, and mutiny from his own men, yet his determination did not falter. At last, he found what he sought—not because the seas were kind, but because his spirit refused to quit. In him we see the same power Bell describes, born when a man knows exactly what he desires and presses forward without retreat.
Bell himself embodied this truth in his pursuit of the telephone. Many doubted, rivals contested, and obstacles arose, yet he did not abandon his vision. His tireless perseverance transformed mere idea into invention, changing forever the way mankind communicates. His confession that he “cannot say” what the power is shows humility, for it is beyond measure, yet his life testifies to its reality.
Let the generations remember: the power that carries men to greatness is not found in fortune alone, nor in fleeting inspiration, but in the steadfast resolve that refuses defeat. To know one’s aim with clarity, and to bind the heart with unbreakable determination, is to unlock the hidden strength of the soul. For the world yields its treasures not to the half-hearted, but to those who burn with purpose and endure until the goal is won.
TM4 Bi Tran minh
I find myself questioning the balance between desire and action implied here. Is knowing exactly what one wants enough, or is the key factor the refusal to quit combined with deliberate, strategic effort? Could this mindset lead to extraordinary achievement, or might it risk stubbornness and ignoring alternative paths? It also sparks curiosity about cultural interpretations of determination—do different societies emphasize the same kind of unwavering focus, or is this perspective uniquely individualistic and Western in nature?
THthanh hang
This quote makes me think about the psychological and perhaps even spiritual dimensions of success. Is the power Bell refers to an inner drive, a flow state, or something akin to intuition? How does it relate to modern ideas of grit, focus, and perseverance in achieving goals? I also wonder whether this power can be shared or taught, or if it is entirely individual. Are there examples in history or contemporary life where someone has clearly tapped into this phenomenon?
HNHue Nguyen
Reading this, I feel inspired but also challenged. How often do people truly reach a state of mind where they are fully certain of what they want and refuse to quit? What separates those who achieve their goals from those who falter—discipline, resilience, clarity of purpose, or perhaps timing and opportunity? This raises broader questions about personal development: how do we identify our deepest goals and maintain focus in the face of distractions and setbacks?
LPVu Lam Phuong
I’m curious about the universality of this so-called power. Does it apply only to men in Bell’s phrasing, or is it relevant to anyone striving toward a goal with unwavering determination? How do factors like resources, environment, and luck intersect with sheer willpower? It also prompts questions about motivation: is the power itself a result of knowing exactly what one wants, or does it emerge organically from persistence and engagement over time?
QTNguyen Thi Quynh Trang
This makes me reflect on the nature of determination and focus. Is the power Bell describes purely mental, or does it manifest in tangible skills, perseverance, and resourcefulness? I also wonder how this state of mind can be cultivated intentionally—are there specific practices, routines, or mindsets that help someone reach this level of clarity and commitment? Furthermore, could this approach have downsides, such as tunnel vision or obsession, if applied without balance?