We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
Abigail Adams (1744 - 1818), letter to John Adams, 1774
You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit.
Demosthenes (384 BC - 322 BC), Third Olynthiac
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.
John Locke (1632 - 1704)