Whatever wholesome states there are, they are all rooted in diligence, converge upon diligence, and diligence is declared to be the chief among them

The Buddha's words

Tathāgatasutta SN 45.139 https://suttacentral.net/sn45.139

At Savatthī. “Bhikkhus, whatever beings there are—whether those without feet or those with two feet or those with four feet or those with many feet, whether consisting of form or formless, whether percipient, nonpercipient, or neither percipient nor nonpercipient—the Tathagata, the Arahant, the Perfectly Enlightened One, is declared to be the chief among them. So too, whatever wholesome states there are, they are all rooted in diligence, converge upon diligence, and diligence is declared to be the chief among them. When a bhikkhu is diligent, it is to be expected that he will develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path.

“And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu who is diligent develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path?

Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops right view, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

He develops right intention, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

He develops right speech, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

He develops right action, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

He develops right livelihood, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

He develops right effort, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

He develops right mindfulness, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

He develops right concentration, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release.

It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu who is diligent develops and cultivates the Noble Eightfold Path.”