The shortest way to arrive at glory should be to do that for conscience which we do for glory. And the virtue of Alexander appears to me with much less vigor in his theater than that of Socrates in his mean and obscure. I can easily conceive Socrates in the place of Alexander, but Alexander in that of Socrates I cannot.
Michel de MontaigneEvery man may speak truly, but to speak methodically, prudently, and fully is a talent that few men have.
Michel de MontaigneWe may so seize on virtue, that if we embrace it with an overgreedy and violent desire, it may become vicious.
Michel de MontaigneIt is in vain that we get upon stilts, for once on them, it is still with our legs that we must walk. And on the highest throne in the world we are still sitting on our own ass.
Michel de Montaigne