ProverbChallengeInternational origin

A gem cannot be polished without friction

Meaning: Excellence and greatness are only achieved through struggle and hardship.

Origin: Usually quoted in full as "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials," and variously labeled a Chinese proverb, a saying of Confucius, or a line of Seneca's. None of these attributions comes with a source, so the saying's origin is unknown.

Equivalents in Japanese

  • Japanese: 玉磨かざれば光なし (Tama migakazareba hikari nashi) (literally: A jewel not polished has no shine)

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