Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree read more

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

Inner liberty can be judged by how often a person feels offended, for you can no more insult a mature read more

Inner liberty can be judged by how often a person feels offended, for you can no more insult a mature man that you can paint the air.

Resolved: never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my read more

Resolved: never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.

Most men are bad.

Most men are bad.

Character is a victory, not a gift.

Character is a victory, not a gift.

From their folded mates they wander far,
Their ways seem harsh and wild:
They follow the beck read more

From their folded mates they wander far,
Their ways seem harsh and wild:
They follow the beck of a baleful star,
Their paths are dream-beguiled.

Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down within incredible swiftness.

Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down within incredible swiftness.

There is no such thing as a "self-made" man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has read more

There is no such thing as a "self-made" man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, ;or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.