Merit

Famous quotes containing the word merit:

    There is a sort of homely truth and naturalness in some books which is very rare to find, and yet looks cheap enough. There may be nothing lofty in the sentiment, or fine in the expression, but it is careless country talk. Homeliness is almost as great a merit in a book as in a house, if the reader would abide there. It is next to beauty, and a very high art. Some have this merit only.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    O that estates, degrees, and offices
    Were not derived corruptly, and that clear honor
    Were purchased by the merit of the wearer!
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    Persistence in a single view has never been regarded as a merit in political leaders.
    Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 B.C.)