“However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.”
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Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.
However greatly we distrust the sincerity of those we converse with, yet still we think they tell more truth to us than to anyone else.
Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.
There is a kind of elevation which does not depend on fortune it is a certain air which distinguishes us, and seems to destine us for great things it is a price which we imperceptibly set upon ourselves.