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  • Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Proving Age is Just a Number

    Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Proving Age is Just a Number
    2025/07/26
    Welcome, listeners. Today we’re exploring the timeless phrase “better late than never,” a saying rooted in history that champions the power of second chances and perseverance. This message, first appearing in English in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and echoing an even older Latin proverb from Titus Livy, reminds us that it’s always preferable to act late than not at all—no matter how much time has passed.

    Life rarely unfolds according to one master schedule. Societal pressures can make us believe there’s an expiration date for chasing dreams, but the real world is full of extraordinary stories that show otherwise. Take Katharine Graham, who didn’t lead The Washington Post until age 45 after personal tragedy forced her into a role she never thought she could fill. Her tenacity and quiet resolve transformed her into one of publishing’s most respected leaders.

    Or consider Vera Wang, who designed her first wedding dress at 40, after earlier careers as a skater and magazine editor. Samuel L. Jackson landed his breakout acting role at 46, and Ray Kroc launched the McDonald’s empire at 52. Frank McCourt published his first award-winning memoir in his sixties, a testament that it’s never too late to tell your story. Gladys Burrill started running marathons in her eighties, becoming the oldest marathon finisher ever at age 92, while contemporary artist Takashi Murakami didn’t achieve international fame until his late thirties.

    According to Big Think, late bloomers often develop quietly, building the resilience and drive that ultimately power their later success. Recent commentary in 2025 highlights how today’s culture is increasingly recognizing that each person’s journey unfolds on its own timeline. The stories of these individuals remind us that setbacks, detours, or delayed opportunities are not endpoints; in fact, they can be the foundation of lasting achievement.

    Listeners, if you’ve ever felt like you missed your chance, remember the enduring wisdom of “better late than never.” Your timeline is your own, and every new effort is an opportunity for a second act. The world’s greatest contributions often come from those who simply refused to give up, no matter how long it took.
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    2 分
  • Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams

    Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams
    2025/07/19
    Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the phrase “better late than never” and exploring its deep resonance with the ideas of second chances and perseverance. This saying, rooted in ancient wisdom, first appeared as a Latin proverb and was later popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales, highlighting the relief and opportunity in doing something late rather than not at all—an enduring reminder that it’s never too late to act or achieve.

    In our world obsessed with youthful achievements, stories of late bloomers are often overshadowed. Yet, success truly has no expiration date. Take Susan Boyle, who, at 47, stepped onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent and stunned the world. She faced skepticism and setbacks, even a stroke in 2023, but defied every odd to reclaim her place in the spotlight. Her story shows that raw talent and determination can emerge and flourish at any age, and opportunity can arrive just when you least expect it.

    Tina Fey didn’t become Saturday Night Live’s first female head writer until age 30. Vera Wang designed her first wedding dress at 40, after years spent in different careers. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt only published his debut book, Angela’s Ashes, at 66. Each of their journeys tells us that milestones can be reached long after society’s supposed deadlines.

    But still, societal pressures have a way of making us feel like we’re falling behind if we haven’t checked off certain boxes by a certain age. Social media and mainstream success stories can leave many listeners feeling discouraged, as if a missed opportunity is a permanent one. The truth is, there’s profound value in forging your own path and trusting your unique timeline. As Mary Mandell recently reflected in Meawisdom, the experiences and failures amassed along a winding journey often prove valuable, deepening relationships, growth, and sense of purpose.

    Listeners, whether you’re launching a new dream at 25, 45, or 75, remember: nobody else gets to write your story for you. Success is a journey, not a race. It’s always better late than never, so take the step—however delayed it may feel. Your moment might just be waiting around the next corner.
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    2 分
  • Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Success Stories Prove Age is Just a Number in Pursuing Dreams

    Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Success Stories Prove Age is Just a Number in Pursuing Dreams
    2025/07/12
    The phrase better late than never has roots stretching back centuries, but its message is as relevant as ever in 2025. Attributed to both the Roman historian Livy and later popularized in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, this idiom reassures us that it’s always worthwhile to take action or pursue a goal, even if it happens long after the “ideal” time.

    In a world obsessed with early achievement—where social media often highlights twenty-something prodigies and overnight successes—it’s easy for listeners to feel behind or discouraged. Yet, as the stories of so-called late bloomers show, society’s timelines are not destiny. People like Vera Wang, who entered the fashion world and designed her first dress at 40, or Frank McCourt, who published his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir Angela’s Ashes at 66, remind us that remarkable accomplishments can come at any stage of life. Even Susan Boyle, who stunned global audiences with her singing at age 47 and returned from a stroke in 2023 to perform once more, embodies the power of perseverance and the reality that talent has no expiration date.

    The pressure to succeed young can make setbacks feel insurmountable. Yet, as Mary Mandell reflected in her essay, being a late bloomer is often a gift. The journey, with its detours and delays, allows for deep relationships, personal growth, and the perspective to see that failures are not flaws but valuable lessons. Tina Fey didn’t become the first female head writer at Saturday Night Live until she was 30, and Morgan Freeman’s iconic film career only took off in his fifties, showing that timelines for success are deeply personal and shouldn’t be dictated by external expectations.

    For every listener feeling like you’ve missed your moment, remember—success doesn’t have an expiration date. Your story is yours to write, and it’s never too late to begin. As the idiom reminds us, better late than never. Pursue your dreams, take that next step, and celebrate every milestone on your own timeline.
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    2 分
  • Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Achievements Have No Age Limit

    Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Achievements Have No Age Limit
    2025/07/05
    Today, we’re exploring the phrase better late than never—a timeless reminder that action, even if delayed, is always more valuable than never trying at all. This saying traces its roots to ancient Latin and was popularized in English by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales over six centuries ago. Its core message continues to resonate, especially in a world often obsessed with youth, speed, and so-called “right timing.”

    Society can pressure us into thinking that opportunities have an expiration date, but stories across recent years show that success—and fulfillment—are not reserved for the early risers or those who get everything right on the first try. Consider Taikichiro Mori, a Japanese professor who turned to real estate in his 50s, eventually becoming the richest man in the world by his late 80s. His daring projects, such as Roppongi Hills, transformed not just neighborhoods, but the perception of what's possible at any age. Or look at Vera Wang, who designed her first dress at age 40, and Frank McCourt, who published his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir Angela’s Ashes at 66. These late bloomers didn’t just catch up; they excelled, proving that fulfillment and achievement can blossom far beyond conventional timelines.

    The pressure to “make it” early can discourage people, leading to missed dreams and unfulfilled potential. Listeners, if you’ve ever felt like time has passed you by, let these stories be living proof that you create your own timeline. Whether you change careers, launch a creative project, or pursue a long-lost dream, perseverance matters far more than perfect timing.

    As Gladys Burrill, who ran her first marathon at 86, once showed, it’s never too late to start. Take inspiration from those who refused to let age or past setbacks define their future. The world’s greatest achievements often belong to those who simply kept moving forward, no matter how late they began.

    Remember: better late than never isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a rallying cry for anyone ready to claim a second chance. Your next chapter is yours to write, starting now.
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    2 分
  • Better Late Than Never: Embracing Life's Journey and Finding Success at Any Age

    Better Late Than Never: Embracing Life's Journey and Finding Success at Any Age
    2025/06/28
    Welcome, listeners. Today, we’re diving into a simple phrase with profound meaning: “Better late than never.” This idiom, used for centuries, captures the spirit of not giving up, even when the world says the moment has passed. The phrase traces its roots to ancient Rome, as a translation from the Latin “potiusque sero quam nunquam,” and was made famous in English by Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, where he writes, “for bet than never is late” in the late 1300s. At its heart, “better late than never” reminds us that starting, even after delays, is always better than not starting at all.

    So many of us wrestle with the idea of being too late—too late to change careers, too late to mend relationships, too late to chase a dream. But the stories around us say otherwise. Mary Mandell shared her reflections earlier this year on embracing life as a late bloomer. She described how, after years of chasing traditional markers of success and feeling behind, she found true happiness and deeper connections by forging her own path, even at 70. Mandell’s journey is a testament that fulfillment isn’t bound by age or timelines; pursuing growth, whenever it arrives, can invigorate your life.

    Society often pressures us to follow strict timelines—graduate, get a job, settle down, retire. Those who don’t fit the mold feel left behind. Yet perseverance can defy these scripts. Consider the countless artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders who found their stride later in life after failures or setbacks. Their stories teach us that missed opportunities can become new beginnings, and that our journeys often hold more value than the destination.

    For anyone listening who feels like their chance has passed, remember: “better late than never” is more than an excuse. It’s an invitation. Your dreams and goals are not invalidated by delay. Each step forward, no matter when it’s taken, has the power to reshape your future. So take that first step. The world is still waiting, and your best moments may be just ahead.
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    2 分
  • Better Late Than Never: How Age Is No Barrier to Success and Achieving Your Dreams

    Better Late Than Never: How Age Is No Barrier to Success and Achieving Your Dreams
    2025/06/21
    Listeners, today we’re exploring the timeless phrase "better late than never," a saying that’s been encouraging second chances and perseverance for centuries. Its roots go back to ancient Rome; the Latin proverb potiusque sero quam nunquam appeared in Titus Livy’s “History of Rome” nearly 2,000 years ago. The phrase made its way into English literature thanks to Geoffrey Chaucer, who included a version in “The Canterbury Tales” in 1386. The sentiment? Doing something late is still far better than never doing it at all.

    Modern society often glorifies early achievement and meteoric rise, but success doesn’t always arrive on a schedule. In fact, recent stories abound of late bloomers who shattered expectations and found fulfillment much later than the world might expect. According to a March 2025 feature on late bloomers, Tina Fey didn’t get her big break as head writer for Saturday Night Live until thirty. Vera Wang crafted her first wedding dress at forty, after a career in figure skating and editing. Frank McCourt published his Pulitzer-winning memoir at sixty-six. These individuals prove that greatness isn’t reserved for the young; it’s available to anyone who keeps trying, regardless of age or setbacks.

    Why do so many feel the pressure to “make it” early? Social media, relentless comparison, and society’s obsession with youth can make it seem like time’s always running out. But as the Briar II News recently reminded readers in its 2025 June edition, “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be—so enjoy this day while it lasts.” That’s a powerful call to action for anyone feeling left behind.

    Listeners, your dreams do not have an expiration date. Whether you want to launch a business, write a novel, or simply start again after a setback, remember those who went before you—and know that it’s never too late to make a change. Better late than never isn’t just a phrase—it’s an invitation. Your moment might not be on anyone else’s timeline, but it’s yours to seize.
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    2 分
  • Better Late Than Never: How Embracing Your Unique Timeline Can Lead to Unexpected Success and Fulfillment

    Better Late Than Never: How Embracing Your Unique Timeline Can Lead to Unexpected Success and Fulfillment
    2025/06/18
    Welcome, listeners. Today, let’s dive into the timeless phrase, “better late than never,” a saying rooted in centuries of wisdom and still deeply relevant in 2025. At its core, this phrase reminds us that achieving a goal or making a change, even after delays or setbacks, is always better than never trying at all. It’s a direct translation from the Latin proverb potiusque sero quam nunquam, dating as far back as Livy’s History of Rome, and was popularized in English by Geoffrey Chaucer in his Canterbury Tales as early as 1386. Chaucer’s message was clear: never is too long to wait for progress, but late is still progress.

    Every day, we hear stories of people who embody this spirit. Mary Mandell, writing in early 2025, shared her journey as a so-called ‘late bloomer.’ For her, taking a nontraditional path didn’t mean missing out, but instead meant discovering happiness and fulfillment at her own pace. She emphasizes that true success isn’t about titles or timelines but about growth, relationships, and finding one’s own purpose. She reflects on how societal expectations once made her doubt herself, but now, even at 70, she feels youthful and inspired, embracing every chance for a new beginning.

    Society often pressures us to achieve milestones by a certain age, whether it’s career advancement, personal accomplishments, or creative endeavors. This pressure can feel overwhelming and discouraging, especially for those who face setbacks or start their journey later. But examples like Mandell’s or countless others show us that the power of perseverance can outshine any arbitrary timeline.

    So, for anyone listening today who feels like they’ve missed their moment, remember: the only true failure is never attempting at all. Whether you’re starting a new career at 40, picking up a passion project at 60, or discovering your purpose at 70 or beyond, your journey is valuable. The chance to begin again, or begin at all, is always worth taking. Hold on to “better late than never”—a phrase that has inspired generations to keep going, no matter when they start.
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    2 分
  • Late Bloomers Unite: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams

    Late Bloomers Unite: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams
    2025/06/14
    Welcome, listeners. Today, we’re diving deep into the theme behind the phrase “better late than never”—a saying that traces its roots back centuries, first appearing in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and even earlier as a Latin proverb, “potiusque sero quam nunquam.” At its core, this phrase reminds us that it’s better to do something late than to never do it at all, no matter how much time has passed. In a world obsessed with fast success and early achievement, this message is more relevant than ever.

    Think about the pressure we see online—stories of tech founders in their twenties or athletes peaking before 30. Yet, history and pop culture are filled with people who truly thrived only after setbacks or in later chapters of their lives. Tina Fey didn’t become Saturday Night Live’s first female head writer until she was 30, having spent years working odd jobs and shuffling through comedy clubs. Vera Wang designed her first wedding dress at 40, after careers in skating and editing. Frank McCourt published Angela’s Ashes, his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, at 66, proving that storytelling and success don’t come with a use-by date. Modern artist Takashi Murakami only gained international recognition in his late 30s, blending tradition and pop culture into a genre all his own. Their journeys show that the timeline for achievement is not set in stone.

    Society sometimes tells us that we’ve missed our window if we’re not successful by a certain age. That creates anxiety, regret, and often a sense of hopelessness. But the stories of late bloomers challenge that entirely. They show that perseverance, resilience, and a refusal to give up can lead to extraordinary accomplishments—no matter when we start or restart.

    So if you’re listening and feeling behind, let these stories inspire you. Whether it’s pursuing a new career, learning a skill, or following a passion, remember: your timeline is your own. The world’s greatest achievements are just as often the result of perseverance as of perfect timing. It’s never too late to start, to dream, or to try again. Better late than never.
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    2 分