Memorize it? Why?

This is a quandary. Every result stems from different factors, different aspects involved. So socioeconomic advantage has an effect, luck has an effect, and your own persistence also has an effect. It takes wisdom to consider all these levels.

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. -- Calvin Coolidge

Persistence I love the quote it's similar to the one by Calvin Coolidge.

Objective research of psychology of motivational quotes and their influences on people would be a nice research subject.

That's something about motivational quotes. They motivate me but I try not to be irrational about them. I guess that's the only way they work. However, the world without them is a bit boring. Sometimes we need them because we are not merely logical beings. Sometimes you need something to pomp you up. But maybe to consider them literally or to take them as plain truth is not because they do not have any function rather because some people lack critical thinking. So I try to take what they offer but I'm in no way thinking they are full of wisdom. At the end, just a thought popped up. Maybe we should go to some classical novels or ancient Greek philosophy for some motivation. They have more thoughtful words. Maybe one should rethink GetMotivated.

Thanks for sharing your view BTW.

You may think of paths in a more abstract way. Like changing paths can be considered part of your path. Your path concerns the general trust in yourself that gets you up and running everyday so that you can commit to your goals not eternally because everyone has to look and modify things once in a while. But without grit, by doubting anything everyday nothing happens. So the quote emphasizes the trust/commitment part. Of course some people commit to idiot paths but some do not commit at all and are always confusingly searching for the right path. This quote works for the latter.

Okay but why?

If trying hard is not a good advice, what is the alternative?

"It requires proper contex" nailed it. The post is talking about a general sense of trust in one's instincts and a sense that you have to commit to doing something. If you realize a mistake you may fix it and it also can be part of your path. But there's the dilemma of personal vs. social responsibility. I know that at times I trust myself and let go of the social situations I do better. You have more control over yourself. But what about when you have to protest and lobby for your goals. You have to cry for justice in a society. What if you are marginalized? Even at that point one may reason that your trust in yourself makes you a better campaigner for social causes. But it's a dilemma.

Besides, is that really a reasonable advice? Even if you can defeat one that started fighting. Is it always good to never back down? And BTW, is this motivational?