Quotes About Character

He whose wisdom brings him into power, needs Goodness to secure that power. Else, though he get it, he will certainly lose it.

You are there to rule, not to slay. If you desire what is good, the people will at once be good. The essence of the gentleman is that of wind; the essence of small people is that of grass. And when a wind passes over the grass, it cannot choose but bend.

He who merely knows right principles is not equal to him who loves them.

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

The faults of a superior person are like the sun and moon. They have their faults, and everyone sees them; they change and everyone looks up to them.

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.

The superior man cannot be known in little matters, but he may be entrusted with great concerns. The small man may not be entrusted with great concerns, but he may be known in little matters.

The superior man is modest in his speech, but excels in his actions.

There are three things which the superior man guards against. In youth...lust. When he is strong...quarrelsomeness. When he is old...covetousness.

To be fond of learning is to be near to knowledge. To practice with vigor is to be near to magnanimity. To possess the feeling of shame is to be near to energy. He who knows these three things, knows how to cultivate his own character.

Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.

What the great learning teaches, is to illustrate illustrious virtue; to renovate the people; and to rest in the highest excellence.

When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.

Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.

Courage cannot be left like bones in a bag. It must be brought out and shown the light again and again, growing stronger each time. If you think it will keep for the times you need it, you are wrong. It is like any other part of your strength. If you ignore it, the bag will be empty when you need it most.

When you're older, you will realise the only thing that matters, the only thing, is that you had courage and honour. Lose those things and you won't die any quicker, but you'll be less than the dirt on our boots. You'll still be dust, but you'll have wasted your short time in the light.

Every man has it's price, but it's almost never the gold

But honor, Thomas conceded wryly, born late blooms strong.

How we treat those who can't force us to be kind says everything about who we are as a people.

History was indeed controlled by blind forces, as well as character and courage and treachery and love. And accident and random chance. And stray bullets and telegrams and tips. And cats.

Even in 1922, on Everest, the expedition leader, General Charles Bruce, in a confidential summary, described Mallory as 'a great dear but forgets his boots on all occasions.

There is a kind of beauty in imperfection.

beauty of heart is much more valuable than a pretty face.

Mama says beauty of heart is much more valuable than a pretty face.