Carthage and Venice practised the selection by force, and destroyed themselves." "You speak of force, my dear Saniel," interrupted a voice; "where do you get that--the force of things, the tatum?
There is no beginning, no will; events decide for us climate, temperament, environment." "Then," replied Saniel, "there is no responsibility, and this instrument conscience, that should decide everything, is good for nothing.

You need not consider consequences.

Success or defeat may yet be immaterial, for the accomplishment of an act that you have believed condemnable may serve the race, while another that you have believed beneficent may prove injurious; from which it follows that intentions only should be judged, and that no one but God can sound human hearts to their depths." He began to laugh.
"Do you believe that?
Is that the conclusion at which you have arrived ?" A waiter entered, carrying pitchers of beer on a tray, and the discussion was necessarily interrupted, every one drawing up to the table where Crozat filled the glasses, and the conversation took a more private turn.
Saniel shook hands with Brigard, who received him somewhat coldly; then he approached Glady with the manifest intention of detaining him, but Glady had said that he was obliged to leave, so Saniel said that he could remain no longer, and had only dropped in on passing.
When they were both gone Brigard turned to Crozat and Nougarede, who were near him, and declared that Saniel made him uneasy.
"He believes himself stronger than life," he said, "because he is sound and intelligent.

He must take care that he does not go too far!".