Although men flatter themselves with their great actions, they are not so often the result of a great design as of chance.
Although men flatter themselves with their great actions, they are not so often the result of a great design as of chance.
We should often be ashamed of our very best actions, if the world only saw the motives which caused them.
We should often blush for our very best actions, if the world did but see all the motives upon which they were done.
Man is never less sincere than when he asks, or offers, advice. When he asks it, he seems to defer to the wisdom of his friend, but really he seeks approval of his own opinion, and to make his friend responsible with him for his actions. When he offers advice, he seems to repay the confidence of his inquirer with disinterested zeal, while really seeking to bolster his own advantage or reputation.
Our actions are like the terminations of verses, which we rhyme as we please.
However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.
Every great action is extreme.
However brilliant an action, it should not be esteemed great unless the result of a great motive.
Nothing is less sincere than our mode of asking and giving advice. He who asks seems to have a deference for the opinion of his friend, while he only aims to get approval of his own and make his friend responsible for his action. And he who gives advice repays the confidence supposed to be placed in him by a seemingly disinterested zeal, while he seldom means anything by his advice but his own interest or reputation.
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.
© 2020 Inspirational Stories
© 2020 Inspirational Stories