Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study. —FRANCIS BACON, Essays In the last analysis, ability is commonly found to consist mainly in a high degree of solemnity. —AMBROSE BIERCE, The Devil’s Dictionary Natural ability without education has more often attained to glory and virtue than education without natural ability. —CICERO, Pro Archia Poeta The superior man is distressed by his want of ability. —CONFUCIUS, Analects The winds and waves are always on the side