Virtue Quotes

Surely what a man does when he is caught off his guard is the best evidence as to what sort of man he is.

The act of defending any of the cardinal virtues has today all the exhilaration of a vice.

Perfect humility dispenses with modesty.

Everyone feels benevolent if nothing happens to be annoying him at the moment.

The humblest citizen of all the land; when clad in the armour of a righteous cause; is stronger than all the hosts of Error.

The opposite of talking isn't listening. The opposite of talking is waiting.

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.

It is a grand mistake to think of being great without goodness and I pronounce it as certain that there was never a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.

Duties are not performed for duty's sake, but because their neglect would make the man uncomfortable. A man performs but one duty - the duty of contenting his spirit, the duty of making himself agreeable to himself.

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice.

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

Virtues are acquired through endeavor, Which rests wholly upon yourself. So, to praise others for their virtues can but encourage one's own efforts.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.

What a man's mind can create, man's character can control.

Moderation is a virtue only in those who are thought to have an alternative.

The nearest way to glory is to strive to be what you wish to be thought
to be.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.