“What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.”
- October 13, 1925 – April 8, 2013
- British
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Politician, “The Iron Lady”
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Quote
“What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.”
Explanation
In this thoughtful reflection, Margaret Thatcher defines success as a blend of natural talent, diligent effort, and clear direction. While she acknowledges the importance of having a “flair”—or innate aptitude—for one’s work, she is quick to remind us that talent alone is insufficient. True success, in her view, comes from combining skill with discipline and a deep commitment to meaningful goals.
This philosophy mirrors her own life and career. Thatcher rose from modest beginnings to become Prime Minister not only because of her intellectual sharpness, but because of her relentless work ethic and unwavering vision for Britain. She believed in setting high standards and in the value of persistence, planning, and purpose-driven action. Her view of success rejected shortcuts or entitlement, instead emphasizing earned achievement grounded in character.
In today’s fast-paced, often results-driven culture, this quote serves as a powerful reminder that lasting success is rarely accidental. It’s not just about passion or intelligence—it’s about facing challenges with endurance and being guided by a sense of mission. Thatcher’s words continue to inspire those who understand that great accomplishments require more than ability—they demand effort and intent.
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