Quotes about Self-discipline

Those who tread 'adult' as a term of approval cannot hope to be considered adult themselves. When I became a man I put away childish things, along with the desire to be very grown up.

Let not that man think he makes any progress in holiness who walks not over the bellies of his lusts. He who doth not kill sin in this way takes no steps toward his journey's end.

A man who cannot control his temper is not very likely to control his passions.

No man is such a conqueror, as the one that has defeated himself.

Unless a man is master of his soul all other kinds of mastery amount to little.

The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rather it is he who bends them into the shape of reason and right judgement. Who has a stiffer battle to fight than the man who is striving to conquer himself.

Who has a more fierce struggle than the person who strives to master himself? And this must be our occupation: to strive to master ourselves and daily to grow stronger and to advance from good to better. All

This ought to be our endeavor: to conquer ourselves and daily to grow stronger against ourselves, and to grow in holiness.

Who hath a harder battle to fight than he who striveth for self-mastery?

Two things especially lead to great improvement: the will to drag yourself from the things that will naturally harm you and the desire to pursue the good things that you need the most. You should also watch out for those things that irritate you in other people; when you see them in yourself, get rid of them. Turn everything to your advantage.

Mightily and long must a man strive within himself before he learn altogether to overcome himself, and to draw his whole affection towards God.

Grant to me a humble and quiet spirit, one that is never uncontrolled or garrulous.