It is a mistake to imagine that potentially great men are rare. It is the conditions that permit the promise of greatness to be fulfilled that are rare. What is so difficult to achieve is the cultural background that permits potential greatness to be converted into actual greatness. – Fred Hoyle, Of Man and Galaxies

The world more often rewards the appearance of merit than merit itself. – La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 1665

Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you and be silent. – Epictetus