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.

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.

Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.

Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.

Every person is responsible for all the good with the scope of
his abilities, and for no more, and read more

Every person is responsible for all the good with the scope of
his abilities, and for no more, and none can tell whose sphere is
the largest.
- Gail Hamilton (pseudonym of Mary Abigail Dodge),

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.

It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test.

It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test.

Wicked people are always surprised to find ability in those that are good.

Wicked people are always surprised to find ability in those that are good.

One thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance
of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no read more

One thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance
of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no efficacy.
[Lat., Illud tamen in primis testandum est, nihil praecepta atque
artes valere nisi adjuvante natura.]

Behind every able man, there are always other able men.

Behind every able man, there are always other able men.