Even when they do, it is not perfect, and they sigh for more, and lose better things in struggling for them. You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, and the great charm of all power is modesty. Father asked us what was God's noblest work. Anna said men, but I said babies.
Men are often bad, but babies never are.
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success. It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women. It takes two flints to make a fire.