The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America Perseverance Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Together [Burnham and Root] had defeated gravity and conquered the soft gumbo of Chicago soil, to change forever the character of urban life; now, together, they would build the fair and change history. It could be done, because it had to be done, but the challenge was monstrous. (1.2.72)

Architects take note: the soil in Chicago isn't the easiest to build on. But not even that could scare Burnham and his partner Root. Together, they had mastered this topographical obstacle (say that five times fast) and were determined to do it yet again in the construction of the fair.

Quote #5

As if anyone needed extra pressure, the New York Times warmed: "the failure of the fair or anything short of a positive and pronounced success would be a discredit to the whole country, and not to Chicago alone." (2.3.84)

Is it better to be motivated by fear or success? Well, for the guys working on the fair, it was both. While they wanted to pull off the greatest exposition in history, they were also terrified it could be a complete flop.

Quote #6

The exposition was Chicago's great pride. Thanks mainly to Daniel Burnham the city had proved it could accomplish something marvelous against obstacles that by any measure should have humbled the builders. (3.11.29)

You know how great it feels after a really hard workout or especially difficult assignment? That's how it feels after the fair ends. Though the whole thing was really challenging—and guys like Burnham definitely got a few more grey hairs—it was worth it in the end.