When you helped somebody, right away you were responsible for that person. And things
always followed for which you were never prepared.
—Martha Brooks, 2003
***
You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you.
—Henri-Frédéric Amiel, 1883
We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.
—Madeleine L’Engle, 1962
We work in the dark – we do what we can – we give what we have.
—Henry James, 1893
Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare think.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1849
A hero is a man who does what he can. The others do not do it.
—Romain Rolland, 1904
Each river does its best for the sea.
—Czech proverb
We must cultivate our garden.
—Voltaire, 1759
In doing what we ought we deserve no praise, because it is our duty.
—Saint Augustine
14
When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace.
—John Lubbock, 1887
Do your duty and leave the rest to the gods.
—Pierre Corneille, 1639
Duty is ours, events are God’s.
—Matthew Henry, 1710
15
Our duty is to crow, and then the dawn may or may not come.
—Vladimir Bogomolov, 1973
14
As quoted, without a date, in several reliable sources, starting not later than 1824.
15
A much later paraphrase of this maxim (with “results” instead of “events”) by John Quincy
Adams is quoted more often than the original.
On Success and Glory, Good and Bad
195