But this perception of truths is disturbed by many causes,--vanity, passion, fear, indolence in himself, ignorance of the fitting means without to accomplish what he designs.

He may miscalculate his own forces; he may have no chart of the country he would invade.

It is only in a peculiar state of the mind that it is capable of perceiving truth; and that state is profound serenity.

Your mind is fevered by a desire for truth: you would compel it to your embraces; you would ask me to impart to you, without ordeal or preparation, the grandest secrets that exist in Nature.

But truth can no more be seen by the mind unprepared for it, than the sun can dawn upon the midst of night.