Quote of the day by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun”
ETimes | July 28, 2026 3:39 PM CST
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam , popularly known as the Missile Man of India, continues to motivate people across the globe. One of his popular quotes is, ‘If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.’ This quote has a lot of meaning packed into it and is quite relatable when one contemplates on achieving success in life.
The quote inspires people to know that it is only through burning (struggling) that one can achieve success and shine bright like the sun. Just as the sun shines bright only after burning intensely, people can reveal their success and achievements only after undergoing a period of intense hard work and sacrifice of their own.
Why is this quote helpful
This quote is very insightful and is a bit of a wake-up call. In this age of instant everything where everything is at the click of our fingers, people have lost their sense of purpose. The phrase ‘burn like a sun’ serves as a reminder and motivator to individuals who are in the path of achieving their dreams and goals.
Hard work, dedication, and sacrifices are some of the things that people must possess to be successful in life. The Missile Man of India always used to encourage people to have the fire within them to achieve their goals, no matter what it takes.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has been through a lot of hardships in his life and has come out to become one of the most influential persons in the history of India. From being a poor student to an outstanding scientist and the President of India, his journey has been full of challenges. Dr. Kalam is an embodiment of the quote, ‘If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.’
Not only does the quote encourage people to work hard towards their goals, but it also tells people to enjoy the challenges along the way. These challenges prepare an individual for the road ahead and should not be shunned but rather embraced.
In summary, the quote ‘If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun,’ by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, is insightful. It encourages people to work hard towards their dreams and goals and motivates them to enjoy the challenges along the way.
The quote inspires people to know that it is only through burning (struggling) that one can achieve success and shine bright like the sun. Just as the sun shines bright only after burning intensely, people can reveal their success and achievements only after undergoing a period of intense hard work and sacrifice of their own.
Why is this quote helpful
This quote is very insightful and is a bit of a wake-up call. In this age of instant everything where everything is at the click of our fingers, people have lost their sense of purpose. The phrase ‘burn like a sun’ serves as a reminder and motivator to individuals who are in the path of achieving their dreams and goals.
Hard work, dedication, and sacrifices are some of the things that people must possess to be successful in life. The Missile Man of India always used to encourage people to have the fire within them to achieve their goals, no matter what it takes.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has been through a lot of hardships in his life and has come out to become one of the most influential persons in the history of India. From being a poor student to an outstanding scientist and the President of India, his journey has been full of challenges. Dr. Kalam is an embodiment of the quote, ‘If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.’
Not only does the quote encourage people to work hard towards their goals, but it also tells people to enjoy the challenges along the way. These challenges prepare an individual for the road ahead and should not be shunned but rather embraced.
In summary, the quote ‘If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun,’ by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, is insightful. It encourages people to work hard towards their dreams and goals and motivates them to enjoy the challenges along the way.
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