Example has more followers than reason. We unconsciously imitate what pleases us, and approximate to the characters we most admire.
Source: In Correct Quotes for DOS, WordStar International, 1991.
-- Christian Nestell Bovee, (Feb 22 1820-1904), US author, lawyer; His Thoughts, Feelings and Fancies, 1857 was the source for many popular epigrammatic sayings.