On Criticism
An important thought for writers: People ask for criticism, but they only want praise. — W. Somerset Maugham
On Being Smart
Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked. — Lord Chesterfield
On Good Judgment
A computer does not substitute for judgment any more than a pencil substitutes for literary talent, but writing without a pencil is not a particular advantage. — Robert S. McNamara
On Self-Respect
If you resent having to work for a living, then you can’t possibly respect yourself, and if you can’t respect yourself, you can just forget about the people around you. — Montel Williams
The Nature of Expectations
It’s a beautiful thing when people expect something decent of you. It means you’ve given them reason for confidence. Expectation is a blessing, not a curse. — Source unknown, quoted from Reader’s Digest, September 1998
How to Succeed
Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected. — Steve Jobs
What Really Illustrates Your Character?
Character is what you are willing to do when the spotlight has been turned off, the applause has died down, and no one is around to give you credit. — Ann Landers