"The world sees only the reflection of merit; therefore when you come to know a really great man intimately, you may as often find him above as below his reputation."

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Love is alone sufficient by itself, it pleases by itself and for it's own sake. It is itself a merit, and itself it's own recompense. It seeks neither cause, nor consequences beyond itself. It is its own fruit, its own object and usefulness. I love because I love you, I love that I may love.

— Bernard of Clairvaux