There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

Ability wins us the esteem of the true men; luck, that of the people.

Ability wins us the esteem of the true men; luck, that of the people.

Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study.

Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study.

When people find a man of the most distinguished abilities as a writer their inferior while he is with them, read more

When people find a man of the most distinguished abilities as a writer their inferior while he is with them, it must be highly gratifying to them.

Behind every able man, there are always other able men.

Behind every able man, there are always other able men.

Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.

Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.

He could raise scruples dark and nice,
And after solve 'em in a trice;
As if Divinity read more

He could raise scruples dark and nice,
And after solve 'em in a trice;
As if Divinity had catch'd
The itch, on purpose to be scratched.

Knowing what you can not do is more important than knowing what you can do. In fact, that's good taste.

Knowing what you can not do is more important than knowing what you can do. In fact, that's good taste.

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

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