They who lack talent expect things to happen without effort. They ascribe failure to a lack of inspiration or ability, read more

They who lack talent expect things to happen without effort. They ascribe failure to a lack of inspiration or ability, or to misfortune, rather than to insufficient application. At the core of every true talent there is an awareness of the difficulties inherent in any achievement, and the confidence that by persistence and patience something worthwhile will be realized. Thus talent is a species of vigor.

Reject hatred without hating.

Reject hatred without hating.

I'm not a combative person. My long experience has taught me to resolve conflict by raising the issues before I read more

I'm not a combative person. My long experience has taught me to resolve conflict by raising the issues before I or others burn their boats.

The people of the world having once been deceived, suspect deceit in truth itself.

The people of the world having once been deceived, suspect deceit in truth itself.

Wise anger is like fire from a flint: there is great ado to get it out; and when it does read more

Wise anger is like fire from a flint: there is great ado to get it out; and when it does come, it is out again immediately.

Use the losses and failures of the past as a reason for action, not inaction.

Use the losses and failures of the past as a reason for action, not inaction.

I think it's only in a crisis that Americans see other people. It has to be an American crisis, of read more

I think it's only in a crisis that Americans see other people. It has to be an American crisis, of course. If two countries fight that do not supply the Americans with some precious commodity, then the education of the public does not take place. But when the dictator falls, when the oil is threatened, then you turn on the television and they tell you where the country is, what the language is, how to pronounce the names of the leaders, what the religion is all about, and maybe you can cut out recipes in the newspaper of Persian dishes.

They exchanged the quick, brilliant smile of women who dislike each other on sight.

They exchanged the quick, brilliant smile of women who dislike each other on sight.

We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.

We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.