To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and read more

To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.

The worst of me is known, and I can say that I am better than the
reputation I bear.
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The worst of me is known, and I can say that I am better than the
reputation I bear.
[Ger., Das Aergste weiss die Welt von mir, und ich
Kann sagen, ich bin besser als mein Ruf.]

Virtue is more to be feared than vice, because its excesses are not subject to the restraints of conscience.

Virtue is more to be feared than vice, because its excesses are not subject to the restraints of conscience.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

Virtue is more clearly shown in the performance of fine actions than in the nonperformance of base ones.

Virtue is more clearly shown in the performance of fine actions than in the nonperformance of base ones.

Be good and you will be lonesome.

Be good and you will be lonesome.

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.

If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.

It is a revenge the devil sometimes takes upon the virtuous, that he entraps them by the force of the read more

It is a revenge the devil sometimes takes upon the virtuous, that he entraps them by the force of the very passion they have suppressed and think themselves superior to.