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.]

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.

I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural read more

I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural ability.

To know how to hide one's ability is great skill.
[Fr., C'est une grande habilete que de savoir cacher read more

To know how to hide one's ability is great skill.
[Fr., C'est une grande habilete que de savoir cacher son
habilete.]

There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

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.

For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.

For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.

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.

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.