misunderstandings and neglect occasion more mischief in the world than even malice and wickedness. At all events, the two latter are of less frequent… - Charles William Eliot

The safe plan is, always simply to do the task that lies nearest us;

Is it — because I — am a houseman’s son that I only stand number nine or ten?” “No doubt that was it,” replied the school-master. “Then it is of no use for me to work,” said Oyvind, drearily, and all his bright dreams vanished. Suddenly he raised his head, lifted his right hand, and bringing it down on the table with all his might, flung himself forward on his face and burst into passionate tears.

Believe me, my friends, it is with talents as with virtue; one must love them for their own sake, or entirely renounce them. And neither of them is acknowledged and rewarded, except when their possessor can practise them unseen, like a dangerous secret.