The virtues of society are vices of the saint. The terror of reform is the discovery that we must cast read more

The virtues of society are vices of the saint. The terror of reform is the discovery that we must cast away our virtues, or what we have always esteemed such, into the same pit that has consumed our grosser vices.

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 does not come from wealth, but. . . wealth, and every other good thing which men have. . . read more

Virtue does not come from wealth, but. . . wealth, and every other good thing which men have. . . comes from virtue.

Ah, Eugénie, have done with virtues! Among the sacrifices that can be made to those counterfeit divinities, is there one read more

Ah, Eugénie, have done with virtues! Among the sacrifices that can be made to those counterfeit divinities, is there one worth an instant of the pleasures one tastes in outraging them?

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

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

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.

The only reward of virtue is virtue.

The only reward of virtue is virtue.

He possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence; courage without ferocity; and all the virtues of man without his vices

He possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence; courage without ferocity; and all the virtues of man without his vices

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.