Spinoza

If the way which, as I have shown, lead hither seems very difficult, it can nevertheless be found. I must indeed be difficult, since it is so seldom discovered; for if salvation lay ready to hand and could be discovered. without great labor, how could it be possible that it should be neglected almost by everybody? But all noble things are as difficult as they are rare. - - Baruch Spinoza

All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare. (16th century philosopher) - Benedict Spinoza

I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not to bewail, not to scorn human actions, but to understand them. - Spinoza