John Quincy Adams on efficiency vs. effectiveness, the proper aim of ambition, and his daily routine

I feel the sentiment with which Tycho Brahe died, perhaps as strongly as he did — His “ne frustra vixisse videar” was a noble feeling, and in him had produced its fruits — He had not lived in vain — He was a benefactor to his species — But the desire is not sufficient — The spark from Heaven is given to few — It is not to be obtained by intreaty or by toil — To be profitable to my Children, seems to me within the compass of my powers — To that let me bound my wishes, and my prayers — And may that be granted to them!

~ John Quincy Adams from, https://www.brainpickings.org/2017/08/16/john-quincy-adams-diaries-effectiveness/

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