Quote from Nelly Bly:

Nelly Bly was a late ninteenth century/early twentieth century American Journalist. I read her Biography not too long ago, and I really admire her style of getting the story. Anyhoo, this is a quote from one of her articles:

"Know yourself. That is the first essential for success. If one would become great, two things are absolutely neccesary. The first is to know yourself, the second is not to let the world know you.

"If you do not know yourself, you are a slave. Your hands and feet are tied; your mouth is gagged; your eyes are blindfolded.

"If the world knows you, you are prey. Your heart and soul are exposed and unprotected; your abilities are underdefended, your progress is defeated.

"...Smiles, expressions and words should be the shield or mask to protect you. By these means, one can avoid being the victim of the unscrupulous.

"If you are an open book to the world, you are doomed... If you have been flattered or praised, don't gulp it down wholesale. Chew it carefully before swallowing it. Exaggerated praise is promted by a desire to be agreeable. Accept praise for what it's worth- politeness. Be brutally frank with yourself. It's safer."