The world is like a board with holes in it, and the square men
have got into the round read more

The world is like a board with holes in it, and the square men
have got into the round holes, and the round into the square.

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.

Everyone must row with the oars he has.

Everyone must row with the oars he has.

I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural read more

I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural ability.

Natural abilities can almost compensate for the want of every kind of cultivation, but no cultivation of the mind can read more

Natural abilities can almost compensate for the want of every kind of cultivation, but no cultivation of the mind can make up for the want of natural abilities.

A man must not deny his manifest abilities, for that is to evade his obligations.

A man must not deny his manifest abilities, for that is to evade his obligations.

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.

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.

Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.

Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.