By low ambition and the thirst of praise.

By low ambition and the thirst of praise.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

We grow small trying to be great.

We grow small trying to be great.

If thy heart fails thee, climb not at all.

If thy heart fails thee, climb not at all.

Be nice to people on your way up because you might meet 'em on
your way down.

Be nice to people on your way up because you might meet 'em on
your way down.

I do not fear failure. I only fear the "slowing up" of the engine inside of me which is pounding, read more

I do not fear failure. I only fear the "slowing up" of the engine inside of me which is pounding, saying, "Keep going, someone must be on top, why not you?"

On the summit see,
The seals of office glitter in his eyes;
He climbs, he pants, he read more

On the summit see,
The seals of office glitter in his eyes;
He climbs, he pants, he grasps them! At his heels,
Close at his heels, a demagogue ascends,
And with a dexterous jerk soon twists him down,
And wins them, but to lose them in his turn.

To be ambitious of true honor, of the true glory and perfection of our natures, is the very principle and read more

To be ambitious of true honor, of the true glory and perfection of our natures, is the very principle and incentive of virtue.

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make read more

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.