What we do upon some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline.

You can do as much as you think you can,
But you’ll never accomplish more;
If you’re afraid of yourself, young man,
There’s little for you in store.

“How Do You Tackle Your Work?” A Heap o’ Livin’, 1916

Some men have been worthy of a better century.

in Lieberman, 3500 Good Quotes for Speakers

Expressing confidence in a person’s ability to accomplish something actually strengthens that ability.

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

You can tell ability from luck by its duration.

Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.

in Forbes magazine

What you now comprehend is not the ultimate of your ability in any direction.

Dynamics for Living, 1966

294. We always love those who admire us, but we do not always love those whom we admire.

Maxims

Although men flatter themselves with their great actions, they are usually the result of chance and not of design.

Réfliexions, ou sentences et masimes morales