Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

If we had to seek virtue outside of ourselves, that would assuredly be difficult; but as it is within us, read more

If we had to seek virtue outside of ourselves, that would assuredly be difficult; but as it is within us, it suffices to avoid bad thoughts and to keep our souls turned toward the Lord.

Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful.

Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful.

It is the stain and disgrace of the age to envy virtue, and to be
anxious to crush the read more

It is the stain and disgrace of the age to envy virtue, and to be
anxious to crush the very flower of dignity.
[Lat., Est haec saeculi labes quaedam et macula virtuti invidere,
velle ipsum florem dignitatis infringere.]

If there's a power above us, (and that there is all nature cries
aloud
Through all her works) read more

If there's a power above us, (and that there is all nature cries
aloud
Through all her works) he must delight in virtue.

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

Virtue when concealed is a worthless thing.
[Lat., Vile latens virtus.]

Virtue when concealed is a worthless thing.
[Lat., Vile latens virtus.]

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.]

Virtue is insufficient temptation.

Virtue is insufficient temptation.