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Writer's pictureReuven Sherwin

TIL: The difference between <Persistence> and <Perseverance>

Today I Learned(*) the difference between Persistence and Perseverance.


Both deal with "getting through" some ordeal, challenge or even an everyday task (though typically it something challenging, and commonly it takes some time to complete).


Persistence is “getting through” a challenge I chose to take upon myself.

Perseverance is “getting through” a challenge life has “thrown” at me.

Persistence vs. Perseverance: The left side shows persistence with a person climbing a mountain they chose, while the right side represents perseverance with a person enduring a sudden storm, symbolizing unexpected life challenges.

With some help from DALL•E, I got the above drawing, attempting to depict the difference.

The left side shows persistence with a person climbing a mountain they chose, while the right side represents perseverance with a person enduring a sudden storm, symbolizing unexpected life challenges.

Looking for two well known people, to help exemplify these definitions, and the difference between them, consider Thomas Edison and Nelson Mandela.

Thomas Edison is a well-known example for Persistence.

He chose to invent the light bulb and persisted through thousands of failed experiments. Despite the challenges he faced in achieving his goal, he continued to push forward because he was determined to succeed in his self-imposed challenge.

Nelson Mandela exemplifies Perseverance. He endured 27 years of imprisonment, a challenge that life thrust upon him due to his fight against apartheid. Despite the harsh conditions and long years of incarceration, he persevered and emerged to lead South Africa toward reconciliation and democracy.

 

(*) It wasn't really today...


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