But the winner—ho, ho!—he’s a “self-made” man.
It is unfair for the loser to blame others for his deficiencies and delinquencies. No one’s reputation is likely to suffer much lasting injury as long as he keeps his character unspotted. What others may say of us is not of so much moment; the important question is, “Is it true?”
When I found I was black, I resolved to live as if I were white, and so force men to look below my skin.—Alexandre Dumas.
Of strife others make us, we’ve little to fear
Because we can surely defeat it;
Few persons get into hot water, ’tis clear,
But they furnish the fuel to heat it.
Impossible? I trample upon impossibilities!—Pitt.
On the other hand the winner is ungrateful when he credits to his own ability the help and good influence he has derived from his associates and his surroundings. No one lives by, to, or for himself, alone. A great man adds to his greatness by generously praising those who have aided in his advancement.
We are, most of us, selfishly slow to confess