Behind every able man, there are always other able men.

Behind every able man, there are always other able men.

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.]

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

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

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.

A man must not deny his manifest abilities, for that is to evade his obligations.

A man must not deny his manifest abilities, for that is to evade his obligations.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Everyone must row with the oars he has.

Everyone must row with the oars he has.

Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study.

Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study.

Men are often capable of greater things than they perform. They are sent into the world with bills of credit, read more

Men are often capable of greater things than they perform. They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent.