Even the greatest actions of a celebrated person labour under this disadvantage, that, however surprising and extraordinary they may be, they are no more than what are expected from him; but, on the contrary, if they fall any thing below the opinion that is conceived of him, though they might raise the reputation of another, they are diminution to his.

Joseph Addison (1672-1719) English essayist, poet, statesman

Essay (1711-12-24), The Spectator, No. 256
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