
ProverbChallenge
International 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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