Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries

Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries

James A. Michener, the renowned American author, once said, "Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries." This quote speaks volumes about the importance of perseverance, determination, and resilience in shaping one's character. Michener's own life and career are a testament to this belief, as he overcame numerous challenges and setbacks to become one of the most successful and prolific writers of his time.

Born in 1907, Michener faced a difficult childhood marked by poverty and instability. He was orphaned at a young age and raised by a series of foster families. Despite these early hardships, Michener never gave up on his dream of becoming a writer. He worked tirelessly to educate himself, eventually earning a scholarship to college and later pursuing a career in teaching and writing.

Michener's path to success was not easy. He faced rejection and criticism from publishers early in his career, and his first few novels failed to gain much attention. However, instead of giving up, Michener continued to hone his craft and refine his writing skills. It was on his third and fourth tries that he finally achieved success with his novel "Tales of the South Pacific," which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize and was later adapted into a successful Broadway musical and film.

Throughout his long and prolific career, Michener continued to demonstrate the qualities of perseverance and determination that he believed were essential to building character. He wrote over 40 books, many of which were bestsellers, and his work spanned a wide range of genres and subjects. Michener's writing was known for its meticulous research, attention to detail, and epic scope, reflecting his deep commitment to his craft and his dedication to telling stories that resonated with readers.