The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, #1)

by John Flanagan

Strange, he thought, how seldom people tend to look up.

“People will think what they want to,” he said quietly. “Never take too much notice of it.”

Once you best a man, never gloat. Be generous and find something in his actions to praise. He won’t enjoy being bested, but he’ll make a good face of it. Show him you appreciate it. Praise can win you a friend. Gloating will only ever make enemies.