My Soul gave me good counsel, teaching me never to delight in praise or to be distressed by reproach. Before my Soul taught me, I doubted the value of my accomplishments until the passing days sent someone who would extol or disparage them. But now I know that trees blossom in the spring and give their fruits in the summer without any desire for accolades. And they scatter their leaves abroad in the fall and denude themselves in the winter without fear of reproof.
Khalil GibranLet your bending in the Archer's hand be for gladness, for even as he loves the arrow that flies, so he loves also the bow that is stable.
Khalil GibranBecause the soul is like a flower that folds its petals when dark comes, and breathes not its fragrance into the phantoms of the night.
Khalil GibranThe best of man is he who blushes when you praise him and remains silent when you defame him.
Khalil Gibran