leads us to make attempts which result in failure and expose us to
ridicule.

This is a most frequent cause of making an inveterate coward of one who
is subject to occasional attacks of timidity.

To know one's limitations exactly and never to allow oneself to exceed
them--this is the part of wisdom, the act of a man who, as the saying
goes, knows what he is about.

There is in every effort a necessary limit that it is not wise to
exceed.

"Never force your talents," says a very pithy proverb. Never undertake
to do a thing that is beyond your powers.

Never allow yourself to be drawn into a discussion on a subject which is
beyond your intellectual depth. To do so is to take the risk of making
mistakes that will render you ridiculous.

But if you are quite convinced that you can come out victorious, never
hesitate to enter a trial of wits that may serve as an occasion for
demonstrating the fact that you are sure of your subject.

The man who cultivates poise will never let pass such opportunities as
this for exhibiting himself in a favorable light.

Conscious of the soundness of his own judgment, and filled with a real
sincerity toward himself, he will not allow himself to be carried away
by a possible chance of success. Rather will he gather himself together,