Quotes about Virtue

Every art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason is the good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim.

But we must not follow those who advise us…being mortal, [to think] of mortal things, but must, so far as we can, make ourselves immortal, and strain every nerve to live in accordance with the best thing in us; for even if it be small in bulk, much more does it in power and worth surpass everything.

The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.

Virtue is a mean between two vices, that which depends on excess and that which depends on defect.

On the other hand, because fortune is needed as an addition, some hold good fortune to be identical with Happiness: which it is not, for even this in excess is a hindrance, and perhaps then has no right to be called good fortune since it is good only in so far as it contributes to Happiness.

From whence it is evident, that those who seek for what is just, seek for a mean; now law is a mean.

When people are friends, they have no need of justice, but when they are just, they do need friendship in addition; and in the realm of the just things, the most just seems to be what involves friendship.

baseness that does not possess its own starting point [or principle] is always less harmful than that which does possess it, and intellect is such a starting point. It

Honesty is doing what you know or believe is right. Integrity is doing what is right and truthful.

The conquer'd, also, and enslaved by war, Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose.

Abash'd the Devil stood, and felt how awful goodness is, and saw virtue in her shape how lovely.

Her virtue and the conscience of her worth, that would be woo'd, and not unsought be won.