Talents are best nurtured in solitude, but character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world

Talent develops in quiet, Character in the torrent of the world

Whoever gives himself up to solitude, Ah! he is soon alone. [Ger., Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergiebt, Ach! der ist bald allein.]

Character is formed in the stormy billows of the world.

Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.

A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.