I will not be concerned at other men’s not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.

The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.

People are always ready to admit a man’s ability after he gets there.

What I need is someone who will make me do what I can.

A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.

Executive ability is deciding quickly and getting somebody else to do the work.

Ability has nothing to do with opportunity.

It is in destroying and pulling down that skill is displayed? The shallowest understanding, the rudest hand, is more than equal to the task.

Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way, ought to give us ground to presume ability.

Behind an able man there are always other able men.