There is only one way to defeat the enemy, and that is to write as well as one can. The best argument is an undeniably good book. When defeat is inevitable, it is wisest to yield. A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means. When one is trying to do something beyond his known powers it is useless to seek the approval of friends.
Friends are at their best in moments of defeat.
If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started. It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies.