Things do not get better by being let alone. Unless they are adjusted, they explode with shattering detonation.

Do not talk about giftedness, inborn talents! One can assume great men of all kinds who were very little gifted. They acquired greatness, became "geniuses" (as we put it), through qualities the lack of which no one who knew what they were would boast of: they all possessed that seriousness of the efficient workman which first learns to construct the parts properly before it ventures to fashion a great whole; they allowed themselves time for it, because they took more pleasure in making the little, secondary things well than in the effect of a dazzling whole.

Ability to think, like the violin or piano, requires daily practice.

One must change one's tactics every ten years if one wishes to maintain one's superiority.

Imagination means nothing without doing.

Effort is not a means to lead us to happiness. Effort itself is happiness.