Quotes about Character

Virtue is never left to stand alone. He who has it will have neighbors.

Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of man.

If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with music?

The Master said, I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue, would esteem nothing above it. He who hated what is not virtuous, would practice virtue in such a way that he would not allow anything that is not virtuous to approach his person. Is any one able for one day to apply his strength to virtue? I have not seen the case in which his strength would be insufficient. Should there possibly be any such case, I have not seen it.

Don't worry if you have no position: worry about making yourself worthy of one. Don't worry if you aren't known and admired: devote yourself to a life that deserves admiration.

The noble-minded encourage what is beautiful in people and discourage what is ugly in them. Little people do just the opposite.

The Master said: 'Artful speech and an ingratiating demeanour rarely accompany virtue.

I am not worried that nobody knows me. I seek to become fit to be known

When we see men of worth, we should think of equalling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

If the will be set on virtue, there will be no practice of wickedness.

The Master was entirely free of four faults: arbitrariness, inflexibility, rigidity, and selfishness.