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 cannot separate itself from reality without becoming a principle of evil.

Virtue cannot separate itself from reality without becoming a principle of evil.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

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.

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.]

Assume a virtue if you have it not.

Assume a virtue if you have it not.

Curse on his virtues! they've undone his country.

Curse on his virtues! they've undone his country.

Virtuous people are simply those who have not been tempted sufficiently, because they live in a vegetative state, or because read more

Virtuous people are simply those who have not been tempted sufficiently, because they live in a vegetative state, or because their purposes are so concentrated in one direction that they have not had the leisure to glance around them.

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.