Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.
Keller contrasts present failure with the possibility of future success, arguing that setbacks should not determine how a difficult undertaking is judged. The emphasis is on perseverance: progress may be slow or uncertain, but continued effort can make obstacles manageable and create a sense of satisfaction when they are overcome.
The final sentence broadens the point beyond success in a narrow sense. Keller suggests that sincere effort directed towards something worthwhile retains value even when it does not immediately produce the desired result. The quote therefore presents persistence as a matter of character rather than a guarantee of achievement. It encourages attention to long-term purpose instead of temporary disappointment, while recognising that demanding goals involve difficulty and failure. Its central idea is that sustained effort can itself be meaningful, particularly when it is connected to an aspiration regarded as valuable or beautiful.