“Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings”

“Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last.”

“There can be no friendship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity.”

“Fancy can hardly forbear to conjecture with what temper Milton surveyed the silent progress of his work, and marked his reputation stealing its way in a kind of subterraneous current through fear and silence. I cannot but conceive him calm and confident, little disappointed, not at all dejected, relying on his own great merit with steady consciousness, and waiting, without impatience, the vicissitudes of opinion, and the impartiality of a future generation.”

“All censure of a man’s self is oblique praise. It is in order to show how much he can spare.”

“Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.”

“Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.”