Quotes about Virtue

Because one stage of depravity is lower than another, this does not warrant the denial that the first stage is degraded. The development of wickedness is one thing; the presence of any measure of holiness or virtue is another. The absence of certain forms of sins does not imply any innate purity. It might as well be affirmed that a recent corpse, which is less loathsome, is therefore less dead than one which is far gone in decay and putrefaction.

God is just and good, and ever does that which is right.

He that is kind is free, though he is a slave; he that is evil is a slave, though he be a king.

To abstain from sin when one can no longer sin is to be forsaken by sin, not to forsake it.

Wisdom has its root in goodness, not goodness its root in wisdom.

Choose silence of all virtues, for by it you hear other men's imperfections, and conceal your own.

You came clothed with the virtue of humility; and because God blessed your enterprises accordingly, you have stained yourself with the sin of pride.

Self-denial is not a virtue: it is only the effect of prudence on rascality.

That is a rare and blessed lot which some greatest men have not attained, to know ourselves guiltless before a condemning crowd -- to be sure that what we are denounced for is solely the good in us.

A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words.

Thus you are just not because you give what is owed, but because you do what is appropriate to you as the highest good.

Patience is the companion of wisdom.