Quotes about Virtue

The advantage of the ideal theory over the popular faith, is this, that it presents the world in precisely that view which is most desirable to the mind. It is, in fact, the view which Reason, both speculative and practical, that is, philosophy and virtue, take. For, seen in the light of thought, the world always is phenomenal; and virtue subordinates it to the mind.

wish to love Jesus as a glorified friend, in the free spirit of friendship—not pay him a stiff sign of respect, as people do before someone they fear. How do I think we should commemorate Jesus' life? By reading his words, imitating his kindness and generosity, and doing anything that awakens our minds and opens our hearts to virtue and love.

What we should see in the real Beatitudes is not merely that the words of Jesus exalt good character instead of bad but that good character brings happiness and bad character brings misery.

Holiness is pleasing to God, beneficial to men, and essential to the promotion of our own happiness

Goodness can endure a few moments; holiness is life-defining.

Morality can build pride as well as philanthropy; true spirituality will never submit to pride.

Pure morality points you to the purest One of all; and the purer your habits, the closer to God you will come.

So let all goodness draw you nearer and let all goodness flow from you to point others to the Source of all goodness.

Don't ever flirt with sin.

pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Philippians 4:8 The Bible presents a lot of detailed instruction on what kinds of things we are to think about.

The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:24 What a great Scripture! It tells us that the more time we spend thinking about the Word we read

Doing the right thing once or even a few times does not equal success, but habitually doing right will produce a life worth living. It may not be easy, but it will be worth the effort. The person who never gives up always sees victory.