You know, that line “Every person who wins must be willing to burn his ships” is more than just a motivational phrase. It’s about the psychology of total commitment. When you eliminate your Plan B, your Plan A is the only thing that gets your energy, your focus, and your creativity. It forces a level of resourcefulness you never knew you had. It’s the ultimate catalyst for action.
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Meaning
It’s about total commitment. It means cutting off any possibility of retreat so that the only option left is to move forward and succeed.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. The real power here isn’t about being reckless. It’s a psychological masterstroke. When you “burn your ships,” you’re fundamentally changing your mindset. You’re telling your brain, “There is no going back. We will find a way.” And that’s when the magic happens. Your brain stops wasting energy on escape routes and pours 100% of its focus into the problem in front of you. It’s the difference between trying and doing. It’s what separates the dreamers from the achievers.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3685) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | commitment (33), decision (31), focus (156) |
| Literary Style | metaphorical (61) |
| Emotion / Mood | determined (118) |
| Overall Quote Score | 82 (297) |
Origin & Factcheck
This comes straight from Napoleon Hill’s 1937 classic, Think and Grow Rich, published in the United States. People often misattribute the core idea to historical figures like Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador, who supposedly burned his ships upon arriving in the New World. Hill was the one who popularized it as a modern success principle, using that powerful historical allegory to make his point.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Napoleon Hill (84) |
| Source Type | Book (4047) |
| Source/Book Name | Think and Grow Rich (37) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (544) |
| Original Language | English (3685) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4047) |
Author Bio
Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) wrote influential books on achievement and personal philosophy. After interviewing industrialist Andrew Carnegie, he spent years studying the habits of top performers, which led to The Law of Success and the classic Think and Grow Rich. Hill taught and lectured widely, promoting ideas like the Master Mind, definite purpose, and persistence. He collaborated with W. Clement Stone and helped launch the Napoleon Hill Foundation to preserve and extend his teachings. His work continues to shape self-help, entrepreneurship, and success literature.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1937; ISBN: 978-1-59330-200-9; Latest Edition: 2020; Number of Pages: 320 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 2: Desire, Approximate page from 2020 edition: 45 |