Ideas from 'I.7 Our deeds are judged by intention' by Michel de Montaigne [1580], by Theme Structure

[found in 'The Complete Essays' by Montaigne,Michel de (ed/tr Screech,M.A.) [Penguin 1987,0-14-044604-4]].

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22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility
Rules and duties are based on the will, as that is all we control
                        Full Idea: Since actions and performances are not wholly in our power and since nothing is really in our power but our will - it is on the will that all the rules and duties of Man are based and established.
                        From: Michel de Montaigne (I.7 Our deeds are judged by intention [1580], p.0028)
                        A reaction: This is almost Kant's claim that the only truly good thing is a good will (e.g. Idea 3711). Aristotle disagrees, because a virtuous person should also have good desires. We may will to have good desires, but virtue requires actually having them.