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.

From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.

From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.

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.]

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 Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.

The Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.

Wicked people are always surprised to find ability in those that are good.

Wicked people are always surprised to find ability in those that are good.

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.

You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.

You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.

The question "Who ought to be boss?" is like as "Who ought to be the tenor in the quartet?" Obviously, read more

The question "Who ought to be boss?" is like as "Who ought to be the tenor in the quartet?" Obviously, the man who can sing tenor.