On peut toujours ce qu’on veut, pourvu qu’on le veuille bien. - François de La Rochefoucauld

Some have a species of instinct (the source of which they are ignorant of), and decide all questions that come before them by its aid, and always decide rightly. These follow their taste more than their intelligence, because they do not permit their temper and self-love to prevail over their natural discernment. All they do is in harmony, all is in the same spirit. This harmony makes them decide correctly on matters, and form a correct estimate of their value. But speaking generally there are few who have a taste fixed and independent of that of their friends, they follow example and fashion which generally form the standard of taste.

There is nothing more natural, nor more deceptive, than to believe that we are beloved.

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than the common, but those only who have greater designs.