The middle sort of historians (of which the most part are) spoil all;

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• The only good histories are those that have been written by the persons themselves who commanded in the affairs whereof they write.
  Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) -- Essays, Book ii...
• I moreover affirm that our wisdom itself, and wisest consultations,
  for the most part commit themselves to the conduct...
• Nature forms us for ourselves, not for others; to be,
  not to seem. -- Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) ...
• All passions that suffer themselves to be relished and digested are but moderate.
  Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) -- Essays, Book i...
• Habit is a second nature. -- Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) -
  Essays, Book iii, Chap....
• And not to serve for a table-talk. -- Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) -
  Essays, Book ii, Chap. iii, The Custom of the Isle...
• For a desperate disease a desperate cure. -- Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) -
  Essays, Book ii, Chap. iii, The Custom of the Isle...
• One may be humble out of pride. -- Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) -
  Essays, Book ii, Chap. xvii, Of...
• Saying is one thing, doing another. -- Michael de Montaigne (1533-1592) -
  Essays, Book ii, Chap. xxxi, Of...