Men are only too clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others. - Titus Livius

Many things complicated by nature are restored by reason.

For he considered that, in many cases, but especially in war, mere appearances have had all the effect of realities; and that a person, under a firm persuasion that he can command resources, virtually has them; that very prospect inspiring him with hope and boldness in his exertions.

Fortune blinds men when she does not wish them to withstand the violence of her onslaughts.