Quotes About Character

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

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

The faults of the superior man are like the eclipses of the sun and moon. He has his faults, and all men see them; he changes, and all men look up to him.

A man should say, I am not concerned that I have no place, I am concerned how I may fit myself for one. I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy 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.

The gentleman is dignified but not arrogant. The small man is arrogant but not digified

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

Men's natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them.

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

Do not worry people not knowing you but strive so that you may worth knowing

?????,?????? (A gentleman blames himself while a common man blames others.)

When you see a person of worth, concentrate upon becoming their equal.

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...

It is true that we shall not be able to reach perfection, but in our struggle toward it we shall strengthen our characters and give stability to our ideas, so that, whilst ever advancing calmly in the same direction, we shall be rendered capable of applying the faculties with which we have been gifted to the best possible account.

Men's natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.

If you yourself are correct, even without the issuing of orders, things will get done; if you yourself are incorrect, although orders are issued, they will not be obeyed

The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understands what is profitable.

Movie Cliche #12: The Moral. A character states the obvious and everybody gets the point.

Some people were born to the shape they would occupy all their lives. (Wait)

If one were to be a person of value that value could not be a condition subject to hazards of fortune. It had to be a quality that could not change. No matter what.

Even a nonbeliever might find it useful to model himself after God. Very useful, in fact.