Life has been compared to a race, but the allusion improves by observing, that the most swift are usually the read more

Life has been compared to a race, but the allusion improves by observing, that the most swift are usually the least manageable and the most likely to stray from the course. Great abilities have always been less serviceable to the possessors than moderate ones.

I shut my eyes in order to see.

I shut my eyes in order to see.

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.]

For as our modern wits behold,
Mounted a pick-back on the old,
Much farther off, much further read more

For as our modern wits behold,
Mounted a pick-back on the old,
Much farther off, much further he,
Rais'd on his aged Beast, could see.

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.

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.

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.

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.

Ability is of little account without opportunity.

Ability is of little account without opportunity.