Saadi Quotes

A good man can be stupid and still be good. But a bad man must have brains.

Being against evil doesn't make you good.

People often tell me I could be a great man. I'd rather be a good man.

There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.

A man should be upright, not be kept upright.

The ordeal of virtue is to resist all temptation to evil.

Being good is just a matter of temperament in the end.

It is better to be honourable than be honoured.

Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure there is one less rascal in the world.

No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.

The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

Virtue is the truest nobility.

Don't worry so much about your self-esteem. Worry more about your character. Integrity is its own reward.

Unfortunately, goodness and honor are rather the exception than the rule among exceptional men, not to speak of geniuses.

To keep your character intact you cannot stoop to filthy acts. It makes it easier to stoop the next time.

Virtue, perhaps, is nothing more than politeness of soul.

I did not use paint, I made myself up morally.

Virtue is the fount whence honour springs.

Who sows virtue reaps honor.

The just man walks in his integrity

Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.

Moral character has now some influence in our elections, but not that place which it deserves. The law of public opinion excludes confirmed sots, and persons judicially convicted of high crimes and misdemeanors against the State; but it ought to render the election of all profane swearers, notorious Sabbath breakers, seducers, slanderers, prodigals and riotous persons, as well as the advocates of dueling, impracticable.

Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people

In public life as in private life, a man of the very highest repute will occasionally go wrong..