Instead of saying that man is the creature of circumstance, it would be nearer the mark to say that man read more

Instead of saying that man is the creature of circumstance, it would be nearer the mark to say that man is the architect of circumstance. It is character which builds an existence out of circumstance. From the same materials one man builds palaces, another hovels; one warehouses, another villas; bricks and mortar are mortar and bricks until the architect can make them something else.

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

Many men are mere warehouses full of merchandise--the head, the
heart, are stuffed with goods. . . . There read more

Many men are mere warehouses full of merchandise--the head, the
heart, are stuffed with goods. . . . There are apartments in
their souls which were once tenanted by taste, and love, and joy,
and worship, but they are all deserted now, and the rooms are
filled with earthy and material things.

We are firm believers in the maxim that, for all right judgment
of any man or thing, it is read more

We are firm believers in the maxim that, for all right judgment
of any man or thing, it is useful, nay, essential, to see his
good qualities before pronouncing on his bad.

Don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got.

Don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got.

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree read more

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

I like repressed characters. That gives me a lot of freedom to make a lot of different choices through subtleties.

I like repressed characters. That gives me a lot of freedom to make a lot of different choices through subtleties.

One can acquire everything in solitude except character.

One can acquire everything in solitude except character.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, read more

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.