From such crooked wood as that which man is made of, nothing straight can be fashioned.

From such crooked wood as that which man is made of, nothing straight can be fashioned.

We shall generally find that the triangular person has got into
the square hole, the oblong into the triangular, read more

We shall generally find that the triangular person has got into
the square hole, the oblong into the triangular, and a square
person has squeezed himself into the round hole.

Ability hits the mark where presumption overshoots and diffidence falls short.

Ability hits the mark where presumption overshoots and diffidence falls short.

The fox has many tricks. The hedgehog has but one. But that is the best of all.

The fox has many tricks. The hedgehog has but one. But that is the best of all.

The question "Who ought to be boss?" is like as "Who ought to be the tenor in the quartet?" Obviously, read more

The question "Who ought to be boss?" is like as "Who ought to be the tenor in the quartet?" Obviously, the man who can sing tenor.

A dwarf is small even if he stands on a mountain; a colossus
keeps his height, even if he read more

A dwarf is small even if he stands on a mountain; a colossus
keeps his height, even if he stands in a well.
[Lat., Parvus pumilio, licet in monte constiterit; colossus
magnitudinem suam servabit, etiam si steterit in puteo.]

Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.

Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.

Men, like bullets, go farthest when they are smoothest.
[Ger., Die Menschen gehen wie Schiesskugeln weiter, wenn sie
read more

Men, like bullets, go farthest when they are smoothest.
[Ger., Die Menschen gehen wie Schiesskugeln weiter, wenn sie
abgeglattet sind.]

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.