It is easy to perform a good action, but not easy to acquire a settled habit of performing such actions.

It is easy to perform a good action, but not easy to acquire a settled habit of performing such actions.

To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue. They are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, read more

To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue. They are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.

Often devotion to virtue arises from sated desire.

Often devotion to virtue arises from sated desire.

Fewer possess virtue, than those who wish us to believe that they
possess it.
[Lat., Virtute enim ipsa read more

Fewer possess virtue, than those who wish us to believe that they
possess it.
[Lat., Virtute enim ipsa non tam multi praediti esse, quam videri
volunt.]

Beauty without virtue is like a rose without scent.

Beauty without virtue is like a rose without scent.

Honor is the reward of virtue.
[Lat., Honor est premium virtutis.]

Honor is the reward of virtue.
[Lat., Honor est premium virtutis.]

That which leads us to the performance of duty by offering
pleasure as its reward, is not virtue, but read more

That which leads us to the performance of duty by offering
pleasure as its reward, is not virtue, but a deceptive copy and
imitation of virtue.
[Lat., Nam quae voluptate, quasi mercede aliqua, ad officium
impellitur, ea non est virtus sed fallax imitatio simulatioque
virtutis.]

As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.

As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.

Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul,
Is the best gift of Heaven: a happiness
That read more

Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul,
Is the best gift of Heaven: a happiness
That even above the smiles and frowns of fate
Exalts great Nature's favourites: a wealth
That ne'er encumbers, nor can be transferr'd.