Onward and Upward
Definition: Striving to advance and improve in life or a particular situation.
Etymology: This mid-nineteenth-century rallying cry was invoked by literary figures such as Frances Anne Kemble (1809–93) in her “Lines addressed to the Young Gentlemen leaving the Lenox Academy, Massachusetts”: “Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, but onward, upward, till the goal ye win.” Today, it is sometimes used ironically, as demonstrated by the New Yorker magazine’s title for comments on unwittingly amusing news: “Onward and Upward with the Arts.”
Related Terms: Moving forward, Progressing, Advancing, Climbing the ladder.
Synonyms: Ascend, Improve, Elevate, Thrive.
Antonyms: Regress, Fall behind, Stagnate, Decline.
Humorous Quotes:
- “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” — Victor Kiam
- “I’m an optimist, but I’m an optimist who carries a raincoat.” — Harold Wilson
Proverbs:
- “A rolling stone gathers no moss.”
- “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Suggested Literature:
- “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale
- “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
- “Onward” by Howard Schultz
Songs:
- “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Poetry:
- “If—” by Rudyard Kipling
- “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
Movies:
- “The Pursuit of Happyness”
- “Rocky”
- “Forrest Gump”
Inspirational Farewell: As you encounter challenges and triumphs on your life’s journey, remember: “Onward and Upward.” Keep striving, advancing, and reaching for the stars. No step forward is too small, and every climb is a victory. 🌟
