How true do you find the expression, "To a valiant heart nothing is impossible"?

[DishLady]

[Sonorous]

I really prefer specific & precise language. Using words like "heart" in a metaphorical sense is very broad & vague. It could be highlighting a many number of concepts &/or emotions, etc. I find that these metaphors can be far too easily lost in translation; no other languages required.

I imagine it's approaching the concept of perseverance in a practical way & in a manner that has more to do with a persons perception of their practical limitations. So to that I will say that I find the expression as true as it is accurate. And how accurate it is depends on the individual. Like other strong-suits, this quote is meant to apply & be more helpful for the more gifted or talented types of people than it is for the types of people that aren't.

Even on practical concepts, I can say all I want to a cripple & depressed man that "with a valiant heart, nothing is impossible." But he's still cripple & depressed & may not be suited to becoming anything more than that due to factors out of his controls.

Similar & more widely applicable modern scenarios can be the weightlifting proposition. If someone wants to grow muscle, how good they'll be at it & how motivated they'll be depends far more on their genetic proclivities & limitations. The most successful bodybuilders often achieve 5x the results of a normal human being because their genetics are optimized for building muscle. Which in-turn feeds the motivation factor.

[HawkPerception]

The definition of valiant is "possessing or showing courage or determination" so I'd say it's pretty accurate as someone who has a courageous and unwavering heart is would literally be able to pursue anything and get past any fear or doubt.

Whenever I see the word valiant used it's usually paired with "effort" or "knight". When you think of "valiant effort", you think of someone where even though they lost, they gave it their best effort throughout and it deserves respect. And when you think of "valiant knight" you think of a knight that is relentless absolutely relentless and determined to fulfill whatever command they're given.

[HawkPerception]

heart would***

[_SillyShoes_]

I would say it can be quite true, but skill, tenacity and wisdom is also important in this equation. Nothing is perfect all on its own.

[OlderAndWiser]

It is idealistic and perhaps inspiring to some, but not always true.

[ryanrhino]

Impossible things are not possible, sadly. The other reason why I bristle when I hear perfect...

Improbable, difficult, nearly insurmountable... a valiant heart can help, especially in matters of the heart.

[DishLady]

I don’t think the expression is about being perfect…

[ryanrhino]

Person A: "Did you get that for me?"
Person B: "Sure did."
Person A: "Impossible!"
Person B: "Not for me!" [This is not impossible then.]
Person A: "Perfect" [This is not perfect then.]
Sometimes it is hard to give a snippet of my jumbled thoughts in an efficient manner.

[ohsheeT]

When you believe in something so powerful and you are brave it doesn't matter you're going to make it work and if you don't you're going to die trying it's just who you are it's part of you part of your DNA and that's the way you live

[NathanDavis]

that's just romanticizing death... lol

[DishLady]

I think it’s just supposed to motivate folks to reach for their dreams…

[NathanDavis]

yes, but bravery is often confused by stupidity...

so you can end up injured, broke, jailed or dead... lol

stubbornness can kill

[DishLady]

I guess if you’re going to take the expression to an extreme…

[NathanDavis]

yeah, but also...

this kind of thinking leads to problems, even if not extreme...

sometimes is just smarter, and even wiser to drop it, and to let go as well... many things are just not possible, especially for those who just don't have it within them, so... to idealize it as a "courageous" thing to waste and exhaust yourself, that's just not a good idea sometimes

[DJB72]

It doesn't matter how valiant your heart is, a one armed man can't clap...

[DishLady]

Interesting….

[Dongie]

Sure he can. He can slap his leg or even his face.

[DishLady]

@dongie … 😂😂

[DrPepper12]

Not at all. Sounds like a recipe for bitter disappointment tbh.

[DishLady]

I think for Charlemagne it ended up being a bit of a letdown, but not till around the end of his life….

[DrPepper12]

He's quite the conundrum historically. If it wasn't for Gallic inheritance traditions from Roman patricians melded with RC church policy his empire might have survived but his grandsons were a bunch of petty fuck ups

[DishLady]

(That can be said of most monarchical lines through to the present day.)

[Juxtapose]

Count all the grains of sand on a beach in a single second.

Really? You can't do it? Did you not do it valiantly enough? Why don't you try again and do it?

[RavVid]

As equally true as a 'A faint heart never a fair lady won'.

[worldscolide]

I'd say it's correct. It's in the same group as my own motto. Life is yours alone, rise up and live it.

[legalboxers]

makes sense...

[Dongie]

• Sounds true to me. Like never say die.

[Ironco]

Well I've been doing that for almost 7 years now.

[exitseven]

that is one great xpression.