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

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

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.

Natural abilities can almost compensate for the want of every kind of cultivation, but no cultivation of the mind can read more

Natural abilities can almost compensate for the want of every kind of cultivation, but no cultivation of the mind can make up for the want of natural abilities.

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.]

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.

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),

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

The first requisite for success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without read more

The first requisite for success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without growing weary.

There is great ability in knowing how to conceal one's ability.

There is great ability in knowing how to conceal one's ability.