Quotes about Character

The Master said, "If a man of position [junzi] does not have integrity, he will not inspire awe.

The Master said, "When you meet persons of exceptional character think to stand shoulder to shoulder with them; meeting persons of little character, look inward and examine yourself.

Staying with good people is like entering a room with orchids. You won't notice the fragrance, but you'll be soaked in the scent. Staying with evil people is just like going inside a stinky fish store. You won't smell it after a while because you will blend with the stench. Keep red things and you'll turn red. Keep lacquer, and you'll turn black ...So a wise man should be careful of where he stays...

All my life, he said, I been witness to people showin up where they was supposed to be at various times after they'd said they'd be there. I never heard one yet that didnt have a reason for it. Yessir. But there aint but one reason. Yessir. You know what it is? No sir. It's that their word's no good. That's the only reason there ever was or ever will be. Yessir.

One thing about me, when I'm wrong I'll admit it. Well. That's a good trait to have.

The secret of his success? "I will speak ill of no man," he said, ". . and speak all the good I know of everybody.

Benjamin Franklin, tactless in his youth, became so diplomatic, so adroit at handling people, that he was made American Ambassador to France. The secret of his success? "I will speak ill of no man," he said, " … and speak all the good I know of everybody.

I once asked General Eisenhower's son, John, if his father ever nourished resentments. "No," he replied, "Dad never wastes a minute thinking about people he doesn't like.

But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.

I will speak ill of no man," he said, " … and speak all the good I know of everybody.

Let us not argue over our being labeled as either spiritual or carnal. If we are not governed by the Holy Spirit what profit will the mere designation of spiritual be to us? This is after all a matter of life, not of title.

He never complained. He seemed to have no instinct for the making much of oneself that complaining requires.