In reality, when you have once devoted your life to your enterprises, you are no longer the equal of other men, or, rather, other men are no longer your equals, and whosoever has taken this resolution, feels his strength and resources doubled.
 Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (1845). copy citation

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Author Alexandre Dumas
Source The Count of Monte Cristo
Topic reality strength
Date 1845
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1184/1184-h/1184-h.htm

Context

“So, preferring death to capture, I accomplished the most astonishing deeds, and which, more than once, showed me that the too great care we take of our bodies is the only obstacle to the success of those projects which require rapid decision, and vigorous and determined execution. In reality, when you have once devoted your life to your enterprises, you are no longer the equal of other men, or, rather, other men are no longer your equals, and whosoever has taken this resolution, feels his strength and resources doubled.” “Philosophy, M. Bertuccio,” interrupted the count; “you have done a little of everything in your life.” “Oh, excellency!” “No, no; but philosophy at half-past ten at night is somewhat late; yet I have no other observation to make, for what you say is correct, which is more than can be said for all philosophy.”” source