Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

People are always ready to admit a man's ability after he gets there.

People are always ready to admit a man's ability after he gets there.

They are able because they think they are able.

They are able because they think they are able.

Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.

Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.

There is something that is much more scarce, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.

There is something that is much more scarce, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize 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.

It is all one to me if a man comes from Sing Sing or Harvard. We hire a man, not read more

It is all one to me if a man comes from Sing Sing or Harvard. We hire a man, not his history.

For as our modern wits behold,
Mounted a pick-back on the old,
Much farther off, much further read more

For as our modern wits behold,
Mounted a pick-back on the old,
Much farther off, much further he,
Rais'd on his aged Beast, could see.