Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony read more

Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of few; and number not voices, but weigh them.

Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

If thou couldst, doctor, cast
The water of my land, find her disease,
And purge it to read more

If thou couldst, doctor, cast
The water of my land, find her disease,
And purge it to a sound and pristine health,
I would applaud thee to the very echo,
That should applaud you again.

Anyone who is popular is bound to be disliked.

Anyone who is popular is bound to be disliked.

There are few cases in which mere popularity should be considered a proper test of merit; but the case of read more

There are few cases in which mere popularity should be considered a proper test of merit; but the case of song-writing is, I think, one of the few.

The point is not to take the world's opinion as a guiding star but to go one's way in life read more

The point is not to take the world's opinion as a guiding star but to go one's way in life and working unerringly, neither depressed by failure nor seduced by applause.

Avoid popularity; it has many snares, and no real benefit.

Avoid popularity; it has many snares, and no real benefit.

Applause is a receipt, not a bill.

Applause is a receipt, not a bill.

In the silence of night I have often wished for just a few words of love from one man, rather read more

In the silence of night I have often wished for just a few words of love from one man, rather than the applause of thousands of people.