To evade arrogance, remind yourself (from time to time) that your talent or success could have been better. To be thankful, remind yourself (every now and then) that your illness or failure could have been worse.

Instead of being regarded as intelligent or knowledgeable, many a woman would rather be regarded as beautiful or good in the kitchen; many a man, as handsome or good in bed.

Most great men are turned off by women who fail to see their greatness.

A mere compliment has been the seed of some people’s downfall.

People who are not blessed with the ability to make others laugh compensate for that by saying (or trying to say) things that are profound.

Most unintelligent or foolish people do not regard themselves as that; they regard themselves as not-that-intelligent or not-that-wise.

Marketing is so powerful that it can make even an extremely untalented musician a one-hundred-hits wonder.

A great person or thing does not gain even a fraction of a single degree of greatness, when complimented; or lose it, when not complimented.

Talent is often suffocated by the desire to be deemed talented.