I can imagine no more comfortable frame of mind for the conduct of life than a humorous resignation.

W. Somerset Maugham

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

Mark Twain

The love of fame is almost another name for the love of excellence; or it is the ambition to attain the highest excellence, sanctioned by the highest authority, that of time.

William Hazlitt

Any man's life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day.

Booker T Washington

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

Thomas Paine