Patient Endeavor and the Pursuit of Fame
Every man must patiently abide his time. He must wait, not in listless idleness, not in useless pastime, not in querulous dejection, but in constant, steady, cheerful endeavor, always willing, fulfilling and accomplishing his task, “that when the occasion comes he may be equal to the occasion.” The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, without a thought of fame. If it comes at all, it will come because it is deserved, not because it is sought after. It is a very indiscreet and troublesome ambition which cares so much about fame, about what the world says of us—to be always looking in the face of others for approval—to be always anxious about the effect of what we do or say—to be always shouting to hear the echoes of our own voices.