The final part in this five-part series on ability highlights growth, courage, and the quiet confidence to keep doing your best—even when the world doubts you.

Every man must scratch his head with his own nails. ~ Arabian Proverb

Accepting good advice means nothing other than to strengthen one’s own ability. ~ Johann von Goethe

There is something that is much more scarce, something finer far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability. ~ Elbert Hubbard

Every person is responsible for all the good within the scope of his abilities, and for no more... ~ Gail Hamilton

Everyone should learn to do one thing supremely well because he likes it, and one thing supremely well because he detests it. ~ B.W.M. Young

Foul water will quench fire. ~ English Proverb

As we advance in life we learn the limits of our abilities. ~ James A. Froude

Anyone can fly. All you need is somewhere to go that you can't get to any other way... ~ Faith Ringgold

Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Capacity never lacks opportunity... ~ Bourke Cockran

Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment. ~ Baltasar Gracián

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor. ~ Henry David Thoreau

I look for the day… when the only criterion of excellence or position shall be the ability and character of the individual... ~ Susan B. Anthony

I never doubted my ability, but when you hear all your life you’re inferior... ~ Hank Aaron

I will pay more for the ability to deal with people before any other ability under the sun. ~ John D. Rockefeller

I have always admired the ability to bite off more than one can chew and then chew it. ~ William DeMille

I come to the office each morning and stay for long hours doing what has to be done... ~ Harry S. Truman

When ability exceeds ambition, or ambition exceeds ability, the likelihood of success is limited. ~ Ralph Half

The tools to him who has the ability to handle them. ~ French Proverb