In morals, truth is but little prized when it is a mere sentiment, and only attains its full value when realized in the world as fact.
Ernest RenanNo idea can succeed except at the expense of sacrifice; no one ever escapes without enduring strain from the struggle of life.
Ernest RenanSometimes they reasoned thus: "The Messiah ought to do such a thing, now Jesus is the Messiah, therefore Jesus has done such a thing." At other times, by an inverse process, it was said: "Such a thing has happened to Jesus; now Jesus is the Messiah; therefore such a thing was to happen to the Messiah."
Ernest Renan