There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them. There is then creative reading as well as creative writing. Make yourself necessary to someone.
Art is a jealous mistress.
The louder he talked of his honour, the faster we counted our spoons. Always do what you are afraid to do. All sensible people are selfish, and nature is tugging at every contract to make the terms of it fair. In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed. If a man write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mouse-trap than his neighbour, tho' he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.