Quiz: Are You Patience or Fortitude? by Colleen Gibson, Social Media AssociateAugust 10, 2018

lions

Patience and Fortitude, the world-renowned pair of marble lions that stand proudly in front of the Library's 42nd Street location, have captured the imagination and affection of New Yorkers since 1911. But which lion do you identify more with: quiet and diligent Patience or determined and courageous Fortitude?

Take our quiz to find out, and make sure you visit the lions the next time you're at the Library! Not sure how to tell the lions apart? We have an easy trick to help! Patience is on the side of the Library closest to 40th Street, while Fortitude is the closest to 42nd Street. Remember, Fortitude is closest to forty-two.

Want to learn more about the history behind our beloved lions? Find out their story!

Are You Patience or Fortitude? Take the Quiz!

 

Can't see the quiz displayed above? Try clicking here.

 

View all posts by Colleen Gibson

Comments

Patron-generated content represents the views and interpretations of the patron, not necessarily those of The New York Public Library. For more information see NYPL's Website Terms and Conditions.

Patience and Fortitude

Submitted by Barbara Jackson (not verified) on September 5, 2018 - 9:18pm

I love New York everthing has a story. Larger then life that's what New York City's Libraries are. Amazing

Appreciation!

Submitted by Jose (not verified) on July 24, 2019 - 10:55am

Thank you for the quiz! I really enjoyed it!

Patience and Fortitude email

Submitted by Mace Anderson (not verified) on July 23, 2019 - 10:57am

I feel the need to make a correction in your description of Patience and Fortitude.Yes, the sculptor was Edward Clark Potter but they were not carved in his studio in Mott Haven in the Bronx. They were carved at that location by the illustrious Piccirilli brothers,who also carved the statute of Abraham Lincoln at his memorial in Washington, DC. among many other prominent commissions. We Bronx residents are justly proud of them. In fact, the street where their studio was located has been renamed in their honor.

Patience & Fortitude

Submitted by Gina Negrin (not verified) on July 23, 2019 - 11:35am

There is a story and history behind all objections in NYC. Who knew the lions actually had names, fun history fact. Thank you NYPL, for sharing this info. G

Loved the Quiz

Submitted by Virginia (not verified) on July 23, 2019 - 11:41am

The quiz was adorable. Next time I am in New York, I will visit Fortitude. To me, New York City is my "moveable feast" and the library an essential part of the city.

Our home of the arts reading

Submitted by AlonzoJones (not verified) on July 23, 2019 - 11:48am

Our home of the arts reading is very fundamental.Start when i wad five or so kept going now 55 can just about read and comprehend any textbook. Its been wonderful to go and sit and read .Thanks NYPL.

Patience and Fortitude

Submitted by Muriel Birthwrght (not verified) on July 23, 2019 - 12:06pm

I am a native New Yorker who knows Patience and Fortitude very well. I used to set on the steps between them. I used to study on the 2 nd floor reading room. My last visit, I sat outside in the sitting area next to Patience. I am now a senior citizen who loves Patience and Fortitude.

thanks for the quiz

Submitted by Tom (not verified) on July 23, 2019 - 4:46pm

All is well. Thank you for inviting me to respond to your quiz. I enjoyed the questions, my result was that I am Patience, the lion on the left. I look forward to interacting with you more. Blessed are you.

This is a great piece of

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on July 24, 2019 - 7:02am

This is a great piece of history. Amazing how so much talent resided in NYC (overall) .... creativity at its finest. (Unfortunately, alot of the arts is long gone so lets preserve what we have for future generations).

Fortitude

Submitted by Ariama Long (not verified) on July 24, 2019 - 12:00pm

This is adorable. I loved those lions since The Wiz lol

Patience and Fortitude

Submitted by Shirley (not verified) on July 31, 2019 - 12:02pm

NYPL is one of the things I love best about the city. The Pictures of Patience and Fortitude are awesome. Loved the Quiz

family connection

Submitted by Michael Anton (not verified) on August 1, 2019 - 7:10pm

My Hungarian immigrant grandmother married twice more after my grandfather passed away, once in her late 70s, and again in her early 80s. Husband number three, Louis was a stone mason, and had worked on either Patience or Fortitude.

fortitude

Submitted by Karen Franck (not verified) on May 7, 2020 - 2:41pm

That is the result of my survey. And it is, just below Fortitude, that was the location where I used to meet my father when we were both in midtown.

Patience and Fortitude

Submitted by Ann Bodnar (not verified) on May 11, 2020 - 11:58am

Anytime I pass the Lions On the bus I smile remembering my then 3 year old nephew seeing the BIGGEST man he ever saw. Very disgruntled the man chided Lady you need to teach that kid manners. My reply was with children I learn from the LIONS you need Patience and Fortitude. He must have thought I was a head case as he moved to rear of bus

Patience and Fortitude

Submitted by Josephine Charles (not verified) on May 14, 2020 - 5:33pm

I learned more about the NYPL Lions today than I did in my life. Knowing of them, but knowing nothing about them except, they were two large and beautiful stone creatures protecting the 42nd street library building. Fascinating! Took the quiz, very enlighting. Thank you NYPL for being there.