Virtue is not the absense of vices or the avoidance of moral dangers; virtue is a vivid and separate thing, read more

Virtue is not the absense of vices or the avoidance of moral dangers; virtue is a vivid and separate thing, like pain or a particular smell.

Virtue consists, not in abstaining from vice, but in not desiring it.

Virtue consists, not in abstaining from vice, but in not desiring it.

Be good and you will be lonesome.

Be good and you will be lonesome.

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, 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.

The power of a man's virtue should not be measured by his special efforts, but by his ordinary doing

The power of a man's virtue should not be measured by his special efforts, but by his ordinary doing

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

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

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.

Virtue must be valuable, if men and women of all degrees pretend to have it.

Virtue must be valuable, if men and women of all degrees pretend to have it.