Quotes

Points to consider: Even though we may have natural gifts (speaking, teaching, answering in the meetings), do we still hone these skills through personal study and humility?

I have no particular talent; I am merely extremely inquisitive. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

“Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study (and by work).” — Francis Bacon

Use what talents you possess: The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. — Henry van Dyke

It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. — Phillips Brooks.

Waste of Ability

A man past middle life came to a famous artist bringing with him some sketches and drawings. The fumes of liquor were on his breath; his eyes were bloodshot, his hands unsteady.

The great man saw at a glance that the drawings were hopeless, and told him so. For a moment the visitor hesitated. Then, he drew from an inside pocket another portfolio of drawings, saying they were the work of a young student.

The artist was delighted and asked that the youth be sent to him. “Ah, sir,” said the man, “I am, or rather I was, that youth. Your words, sir, have only confirmed my own suspicions. I have thrown away my best talents.”