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To me there has never been a higher source of earthly honor or distinction than that connected with advances in science. Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them. True dignity is never gained by place, and never lost when honors are withdrawn. Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. A life spent in making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. No one ever lost his honor, except he who had it not. Honor has not to be won; it must only not be lost. If ever we have had an opportunity of seeing how the greatest of men will meet with nothing but slight from half-a-dozen blockheads, we shall understand that to lay great value upon what other people say is to pay them too much honor. The reason why respect is paid to age is that old people have necessarily shown in the course of their lives whether or not they have been able to maintain their honor unblemished; while that of young people has not been put to the proof, though they are credited with the possession of it.