Saint Jerome was one of the most influential Christian scholars. Born around 347 AD, he is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, a version known as the Vulgate, which became the standard Bible of the Western Church for many centuries. St. Jerome was a devoted theologian, historian, and teacher who believed strongly in the value of education, discipline and lifelong learning. His writings continue to inspire people around the world, especially those seeking wisdom, knowledge and personal growth.Among the many sayings attributed to St. Jerome, one of the most memorable is: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.” This simple yet powerful quote carries a timeless message about perseverance and self-improvement.
11 Jun 2026 | 18:00
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What does the quote mean
Firstly, the quote teaches us about the importance of continuous improvement. Being “good” at doing something means that you have made significant progress. However, that progress should never stop. Whether it is academic work, a game, a musical performance or some other activity, one can always improve. The quote encourages children to keep developing their skills rather than becoming complacent with their current abilities. Each little step can lead to turning “good” into “great”.Another important lesson relates to perseverance. “Never let it rest” emphasises the lesson of not giving up when facing difficulties. Rarely does anything come easy and fast in life; great success is normally a product of perseverance and hard work. Children may find themselves frustrated by failures or the lack of quick results. This quote encourages them to persevere despite all odds.The quote also emphasises that one should work towards personal excellence rather than competing with other people. The idea here is not to outdo others but to excel as an individual, by working hard to ensure they do their personal best in every situation. In fact, every kid has their own strengths and aspirations, and if they work hard daily, they can achieve great things.
More inspiring quotes by St. Jerome
Here are some more inspiring quotes attributed to St. Jerome, which continue to inspire people around the world:
- “Begin now to be what you will be hereafter.”
- “The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart.”
- “It is worse still to be ignorant of your ignorance.”
- “The friendship that can cease has never been real.”
The quote by St. Jerome, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best,” is advice that should never be overlooked, either by children or adults. The saying encourages continuous self-improvement and striving to do one’s best. One should always strive to improve themselves and never settle for the current state; there is room left for improvement. Inculcating the philosophy behind this saying in their daily lives will make children more confident and resilient.
