I cling to my imperfection, as the very essence of my being. – Anatole France, The Garden of Epicurus, 1894

One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent. – Epictetus

A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault. – John Henry Newman

Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny. – Carl Schurz, address, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 1859