Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices

Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices

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.

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.]

Man seems to be capable of great virtues but not of small virtues; capable of defying his torturer but not read more

Man seems to be capable of great virtues but not of small virtues; capable of defying his torturer but not of keeping his temper.

Prosperity discovers vice, adversity discovers virtue.

Prosperity discovers vice, adversity discovers virtue.

Nature does not loathe virtue: it is unaware of its existence.

Nature does not loathe virtue: it is unaware of its existence.

Man cannot be uplifted; he must be seduced into virtue.

Man cannot be uplifted; he must be seduced into virtue.

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.

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

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