Is the security of your country in "silver and gold"? Stones and timber? Undercover dealings? Where does real security lie? (Serendipity Bible 10th Anniversary Edition, p.518).
Essential
qualities required for the well-being of any country or, for that
matter, completion of any tasks however large or small are
persistence and creativity. Since it is so common for first attempts
to be less than ideally successful, persistence in the face of
difficulties is simply a necessity. “To persist” defined: 1)
To be obstinately repetitious, insistent, or tenacious. 2)To hold
firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state, or undertaking despite
obstacles, warnings, or setbacks. (American
Heritage Dictionary).
Persistence ensures that one patiently stays on the scene long enough
to realize success. But repetition alone may not suffice. Hence, the
need for creativity.
Creativity:
Ability
to produce something new through imaginative skill, whether a new
solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic
object or form. The term generally refers to a richness of ideas and
originality of thinking. Psychological studies of highly creative
people have shown that many have a strong interest in apparent
disorder, contradiction, and imbalance, which seem to be perceived as
challenges. Such individuals may possess an exceptionally deep,
broad, and flexible awareness of themselves. Studies also show that
intelligence has little correlation with creativity; thus, a highly
intelligent person may not be very creative. (Britannica
Concise Encyclopedia).
The
related
traits of
persistence and creativity when combined provide the essential means
leading to effectiveness. Both traits are naturally allied with hope
which concurrently reinforces each of them. Without persistence,
creativity, and hope no other assets alone – whether intelligence
or wealth – are sufficient guarantors of success.
