Slow and steady wins the race

Definition

Consistent, persistent effort is more likely to succeed than rushed or erratic attempts.

Etymology

This phrase comes directly from Aesop's fable 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' dating back to ancient Greece around 600 BCE. The moral became a popular English proverb by the 1600s, emphasizing the value of persistence over natural talent or speed.

Kelly Says

This ancient wisdom has found new relevance in modern psychology research, which confirms that 'grit' - sustained effort toward long-term goals - is often more predictive of success than raw talent or intelligence. Aesop's 2,600-year-old insight anticipated what scientists now call the 'power of persistence.'

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