The wicked are always surprised to find ability in the good.
[Fr., Les merchants sont toujours surpris de trouver read more

The wicked are always surprised to find ability in the good.
[Fr., Les merchants sont toujours surpris de trouver de
l'habilete dans les bons.]

We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.

We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.

To the very last, he [Napolean] had a kind of idea, that, namely,
of "la carriere ouverte aux talents"--the read more

To the very last, he [Napolean] had a kind of idea, that, namely,
of "la carriere ouverte aux talents"--the tools to him that can
handle them.

Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way,
ought to give us ground to presume ability.

Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way,
ought to give us ground to presume ability.

Everyone must row with the oars he has.

Everyone must row with the oars he has.

He could raise scruples dark and nice,
And after solve 'em in a trice;
As if Divinity read more

He could raise scruples dark and nice,
And after solve 'em in a trice;
As if Divinity had catch'd
The itch, on purpose to be scratched.

The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the read more

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.

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.