The light of lights looks always on the motive, not the deed, the shadow of shadows on the deed alone. (Quote by - W B Yeats)

Tis the motive exalts the action, 'Tis the doing, and not the deed. (Quote by - Margaret Junkin Preston)

He is the best sailor who can steer within fewest points of the wind, and exact a motive power out of the greatest obstacles. (Quote by - Henry David Thoreau)

Religion is a great force (Quote by - the only real motive force in the world; but you must get at a man through his own religion, not through yours. (Quote by - George Bernard Shaw)

Tis e'er the wont of simple folk to prize the deed and overlook the motive, and of learned folk to discount the deed and lay open the soul of the doer. (Quote by - John Barth)