Jane Smiley Quotes

Desire creates the power.

It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will is a product of desire.

Desire is creation, is the magical element in that process. If there were an instrument by which to measure desire, one could foretell achievement.

Out of need springs desire, and out of desire springs the energy and the will to win.

The starting point of all achievement is desire.

Every man without passions has within him no principle of action, nor motive to act.

Desire is the very essence of man.

Desire is the key to motivation.

Desire is transformed into drive when a dream creates a passion for action

Obligation is a flimsy base for creativity, way down the list behind passion, courage, instinct, and the desire to do something great.

If the motivation is gone, then I am finished.

Vice: Whatever was passion in the contemplation of man, being brought forth by his will into action.

Desire! That's the one secret of every man's career. Not education. Not being born with hidden talents. Desire.

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

I wanted it so badly that there was no choice. It's like something in your blood that you have to do.

Lust is to the other passions what the nervous fluid is to life; it supports them all, lends strength to them all ambition, cruelty, avarice, revenge, are all founded on lust.

A man must earnestly want.

I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it.

The keener the want the lustier the growth.

There's nothing bloody wrong with wanting it at all.

The first principle of success is desire - knowing what you want. Desire is the planting of your seed.

A man without passion is only a latent force, only a possibility, like a stone waiting for the blow from the iron to give forth sparks.

Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.

People who think I lack desire are wrong.

What drives you? What's your motivation? That's not emotion. That's passion. It's a different word.