What we believe to be the motives of our conduct are usually but the pretexts for it.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
It is a question of fact, whether the influence of motives be fixed by laws of nature, so that they shall always have the same effect in the same circumstances.
Actions are visible, though motives are secret.
The beginning of self-knowledge: recognizing that your motives are the same as other people's.
In the first place, when there is a policy of intentional aggression, inspired by a desire to get possession of the territory or the trade of another country, right or wrong, a pretext is always sought.
The inner thought coming from the heart represents the real motives and desires. These are the cause of action.
It's the millenium, motives are incidental.
Circumstances are beyond human control, but our conduct is in our own power.
Motives reveal why we do what we do, which is actually more important to God than what we're doing.
Every action needs to be prompted by a motive.
I want my books to explore motives which make people think, 'Wow! Imagine the psychological state you'd have to be in for that to be your motive!' Whereas things like blackmail, jealousy - they're rational reasons for committing murder.