Quote
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.
Note
Longfellow emphasizes sustained effort over instant success. Great achievements require persistent work, often unseen and unglamorous ("toiling upward in the night"). This is an internal standard: success is built through consistent, quiet discipline while others rest. It's a reminder that mastery and accomplishment come from dedication over time, not luck or sudden inspiration. The image honors the patient, humble work that precedes visible achievement.