People in their right minds never take pride in their talents.
Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.
Artistic talent is far more common than the talent to nurture artistic talent. Any parent with a hard hand can crush it, but to nurture it is much more difficult.
A man of talent will strive for money and reputation; but the spring that moves genius to the production of its works is not as easy to name.