For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one’s predicament into a human achievement.

We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed. For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one’s predicament into a human achievement. When we are no longer able to change a situation — just think of an incurable disease such as inoperable cancer — we are challenged to change ourselves.

I speak of a tragic optimism, that is, an optimism in the face of tragedy and in view of the human potential which at its best always allows for: (1) turning suffering into a human achievement and accomplishment; (2) deriving from guilt the opportunity to change oneself for the better; and (3) deriving from life’s transitoriness an incentive to take responsible action.

The potential of the human body is immense. You can come out of some of the deepest, darkest holes if you keep pressing forward.

Faith, hope, love, and insight are the highest achievements of human effort. They are found-given-by experience.

The greatest human achievement is to fulfil one’s destiny.

Human potential, though not always apparent, is there waiting to be discovered and invited forth.

It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

You need to have your ability to explore your human potential, which needs a lot of discipline, focus, positivity and removing all the negativity that is around you

The right to hope is the most powerful human motivation I know.

As human beings, we have the responsibility to harness the immense human potential for good, not evil; for love, not hatred; and for peace, not war.

Human beings, it seems, are at their best when immersed deeply in something challenging.

The most important resource we had when we started was human potential. Our job is to unleash that potential—whether Emirati or global talent—so they can build, innovate, and thrive.

Turn tragedy into fuel for greatness