Regarding Nathaniel Hawthorne

He never seemed to be doing anything, and yet he did not like to be disturbed at it. - John Greenleaf Whittier (Taken from The Book of Poisonous Quotes)

More than just math

Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they please. -Pythagorus
       I think I first heard of Pythagorus in 7th grade when we started learning more advanced math.

Ancient Oxymoronica

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it. - Tacitus, in Annals
       I should remember this next time I am too easily offended by the words of another when they are voicing their criticism or disapproval. One of the greatest offenses to the Ancients is pride, and Christianity agreed with those sentiments in the ancient world. While we are too easily snagged by sins of the body like gluttony, sloth and lust, it is pride that drives the most profound wedge between God and man. While pride may be the worst and proverbial mother of all sins, any sin we commit and fail to repent of is one we get to keep forever. That's bad news, the Good News is the mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ who has been offered for our sins and is risen for our Redemption.