We start with gifts. Merit comes from what we make of them.

The same principle leads us to neglect a man of merit that induces us to admire a fool. [Fr., Du meme fonds dont on neglige un homme de merite l'on sait encore admirer un sot.]

The favor of princes does not preclude the existence of merit, and yet does not prove that it exists. [Fr., La faveur des princes n'exclut pas le merite, et ne le suppose pas aussi.]

People mistake their limitations for high standards.

Acceptance of prevailing standards often means we have no standards of our own.

It takes a well-spent lifetime, and perhaps more, to crystalize in us that for which we exist.