June 23, 1312: A despondent Robert the Bruce, defeated and considering flight, watches a spider build its web – it takes seven tries. Inspired, Bruce adopts the motto “Try, try, and try again.” He wins the Battle of Bannockburn.

Winter, 1609–1610: The straggling band of Jamestown settlers is ravaged by hunger and disease during “The Starving Time.” Many are ready to give up, but when a supply ship arrives they are persuaded to try again.

December 1879: After more than 10,000 failed experiments, Thomas Edison gives a demonstration of his new incandescent bulb.

April 5, 1887: Thanks to the persistence of teacher Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller finally spells out “w-a-t-e-r” at the watering pump.

1927: Babe Ruth hits an astonishing 60 home runs in one season. The Babe struck out more than any baseball player of his day — but he also hit more homers.