Conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one . . .
Source: Mrs. March to her daughter Amy, in Little Women, pt. 1, ch. 7, 1868.
-- Louisa May Alcott, (Nov 29 1832-1888), US novelist; Her book Little Women, 1868, sold millions of copies.