Literary notes about steadfast (AI summary)
The adjective “steadfast” appears in literature as a powerful descriptor of unwavering loyalty, persistent purpose, and resolute character. In ancient epics and religious texts, it designates something that is unswerving in both duty and faith, such as the constant allegiance of revered figures [1, 2, 3]. In narratives of personal resolve or martyrdom, authors use the word to evoke the image of a person whose inner strength remains fixed despite external trials [4, 5, 6, 7]. Meanwhile, in philosophical and reflective works the term underscores a commitment to truth or ideals, forming the backbone of moral and intellectual persistence [8, 9, 10]. Whether capturing the steadfast gaze of a character or a core quality of enduring values, the word enriches literary expression—imbuing characters and concepts with a timeless quality that has appealed to writers across eras [11, 12, 13].
- Thy lord is safe with steadfast friends, And greeting to his queen he sends, And Lakshmaṇ, ever faithful bows His reverent head to Ráma's spouse.”
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - For the sorrow that is according to God worketh penance, steadfast unto salvation: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - That our hope for you may be steadfast: knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Finding he continued steadfast in the truth, he was condemned, degraded, and not only burnt, but most cruelly tormented in the fire.
— from Fox's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - Like Peter, he was contrite, steadfast in the faith, and sealed it with his blood at Bury, August 2, 1555, praising and glorifying God.
— from Fox's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - He, however, continued steadfast in his faith, prayed fervently at the gallows, and met his fate with singular resignation.
— from Fox's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - This steadfast believer in Christ suffered martyrdom in the year 1527.
— from Fox's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - What is needed, as the example of mathematics shows, is a steadfast intent and an adventurous inquiry.
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana - All such things do but divert you from the steadfast guardianship of your own soul.
— from The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius - But yet there was reigning in his soul a sense of the wholeness of things—something steadfast and comforting—and he was aware of it himself.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Yet the whole still stands steadfast before their eyes, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Put a true and steadfast word into my mouth, and remove a deceitful tongue far from me.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - — Thus, steadfast and beautiful, let us also be enemies, my friends!
— from Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche