The class leader had only a theoretical knowledge, and could not cope with the stern realities of the age.

Even genius, however rapid its flight, must not omit a single essential detail, and must be willing to work like a horse.
Shakespeare had marvelous tact; he worked everything into his plays.
He ground up the king and his vassal, the fool and the fop, the prince and the peasant, the black and the white, the pure and the impure, the simple and the profound, passions and characters, honor and dishonor,--everything within the sweep of his vision he ground up into paint and spread it upon his mighty canvas.
Some people show want of tact in resenting every slight or petty insult, however unworthy their notice.

Others make Don Quixote's mistake of fighting a windmill by engaging in controversies with public speakers and editors, who are sure to have the advantage of the final word.

One of the greatest elements of strength in the character of Washington was found in his forbearance when unjustly attacked or ridiculed.
Artemus Ward touches this bubble with a pretty sharp-pointed pen.
"It was in a surtin town in Virginny, the Muther of Presidents and things, that I was shaimfully aboozed by a editer in human form.

He set my Show up steep, and kalled me the urbane and gentlemunly manager, but when I, fur the purpuss of showin' fair play all round, went to anuther offiss to get my handbills printed, what duz this pussillanermus editer do but change his toon and abooze me like a injun.