On praise and blame.................

     My soul preached to me and said, "Do not be delighted because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame."
     Ere my soul counselled me, I doubted the worth of my work.
     Now I realize the trees blossom in Spring and bear fruit in Summer without asking praise; and they drop their leaves in Autumn and become naked in Winter without fearing blame.

-Kahlil Gibran,  Thoughts And Meditations