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

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

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

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

'Tis skill not strength that governs a ship.

'Tis skill not strength that governs a ship.

As we advance in life, we learn the limits of our abilities.

As we advance in life, we learn the limits of our abilities.

If there be anything that can be called genius, it consists chiefly in ability to give that attention to a read more

If there be anything that can be called genius, it consists chiefly in ability to give that attention to a subject which keeps it steadily in the mind, till we have surveyed it accurately on all sides.

Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.

Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.

It is all one to me if a man comes from Sing Sing or Harvard. We hire a man, not read more

It is all one to me if a man comes from Sing Sing or Harvard. We hire a man, not his history.

Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.

Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.

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.