Despondency is not a state of humility. On the contrary, it is the vexation and despair of a cowardly pride; nothing is worse. Whether we stumble, or whether we fall, we must only think of rising again and going on in our course.

More from Francis de Fenelon

• A gentleman can live through anything.
• Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.
• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
• Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.
• There is no defeat in death, Master Bruce. Victory comes in defending what we know is right while we still live.
• All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.