If there be anything that can be called genius, it consists chiefly in ability to give that attention to a read more

If there be anything that can be called genius, it consists chiefly in ability to give that attention to a subject which keeps it steadily in the mind, till we have surveyed it accurately on all sides.

Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way,
ought to give us ground to presume ability.

Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way,
ought to give us ground to presume ability.

Martyrdom is the only way a man can become famous without ability.

Martyrdom is the only way a man can become famous without ability.

We shall generally find that the triangular person has got into
the square hole, the oblong into the triangular, read more

We shall generally find that the triangular person has got into
the square hole, the oblong into the triangular, and a square
person has squeezed himself into the round hole.

Ability is of little account without opportunity.

Ability is of little account without opportunity.

The fox has many tricks. The hedgehog has but one. But that is the best of all.

The fox has many tricks. The hedgehog has but one. But that is the best of all.

We rate ability in men by what they finish, not by what they attempt

We rate ability in men by what they finish, not by what they attempt

If you count all your assets you always show a profit.

If you count all your assets you always show a profit.

A dwarf is small even if he stands on a mountain; a colossus
keeps his height, even if he read more

A dwarf is small even if he stands on a mountain; a colossus
keeps his height, even if he stands in a well.
[Lat., Parvus pumilio, licet in monte constiterit; colossus
magnitudinem suam servabit, etiam si steterit in puteo.]