Explore the meaning, origins, and cultural significance of the phrase 'onward and upward.' Discover its historical roots and contemporary relevance.
The phrase “onward and upward” signifies a commitment to progress and improvement. It embodies the aspiration to advance and achieve greater success, often used as a motivational exhortation to persevere despite challenges.
The expression “onward and upward” emerged in the mid-nineteenth century as a rallying cry for perseverance and progress. Notably, it was employed by Frances Anne Kemble in her poem Lines Addressed to the Young Gentlemen Leaving the Lenox Academy, Massachusetts, where she urged the students: “Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, but onward, upward, till the goal ye win.” This phrase encapsulates the spirit of ambition and determination characteristic of the era’s cultural and educational ethos.
Semantically, “onward and upward” conveys a dual sense of directionality and aspiration. “Onward” implies forward movement, while “upward” suggests elevation or improvement. Together, they create a compound metaphor for striving towards higher achievements. In contemporary usage, the phrase can carry both earnest and ironic tones, depending on the context.
In modern culture, “onward and upward” is frequently employed in motivational contexts, such as speeches, self-help literature, and corporate communications. However, it is also used ironically, as exemplified by the New Yorker magazine’s column title “Onward and Upward with the Arts,” which humorously comments on unwittingly amusing news.
In professional settings, “onward and upward” often emphasizes strategic growth and development. Socially, it may serve as encouragement in personal endeavors. In literary contexts, it can symbolize the human spirit’s resilience and ambition.
The phrase “onward and upward” retains significant contemporary relevance due to its motivational undertones and adaptability across various contexts. Its durability is rated as ★★★★☆, reflecting its continued usage and resonance in both earnest and ironic expressions.
“Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, but onward, upward, till the goal ye win.” - Frances Anne Kemble, Lines Addressed to the Young Gentlemen Leaving the Lenox Academy, Massachusetts