The Master said, "The prosecution of learning may be compared to what may happen in raising a mound. If there want but one basket of earth to complete the work, and I stop, the stopping is my own work. It may be compared to throwing down the earth on the level ground. Though but one basketful is thrown at a time, the advancing with it is my own going forward."
子曰、譬如爲山、未成一簣、止、吾止也、譬如平地、雖覆一簣、進、吾往也。
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Wait on the LORD; Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for the LORD.
As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, wise people falter not amidst blame and praise.
And if any accidents whatever befall him who has gained that (foundation), he will not be overpowered by them as a mountain by the storm.
O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper.
Let patience be your purpose in life; implant this within your being. In this way, you will grow into a great river; you will not break off into a tiny stream.
Your business is with action alone; not by any means with fruit. Let not the fruit of action be your motive (to action). Let not your attachment be (fixed) on inaction.