Judith Martin Quotes

If what the heart approves conforms to proper patterns, then even if one's desires are many, what harm would they be to good order?

My ego every day is more and more polite. I tame it.

I think our culture encourages all of us to always put our best foot forward. I think it's a good thing. I think it's nice to rise to the occasion, to be kind and considerate, and have self control.

A person is born with desires of the eyes and ears, and a liking for beautiful sights and sounds. If he gives way to them, they will lead him to immorality and lack of restriction, and any ritual principles and propriety will be abandoned.

I don't think I have ever been out of control.

Temperance is moderation in the things that are good and total abstinence from the things that are foul.

We all have to recognize, no matter how great our strength, we must deny ourselves the license to do always as we please.

The word virtue is as useful to self-interest as the vices.

I'd say exercising self-control is very important for a dissolute life.

I'm not going to throw chairs; I'm not going to cuss. I'm not going to do that kind of stuff, because you don't have to do that. You don't have to act like that, and you don't have to live like that in order to be successful.

The intimate contest for self-command never ends, and lifetime happiness requires finding the right balance between present impulses and future well-being.

Fortunate indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right measure of himself, and holds a just balance between what he can acquire and what he can use.

Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.

My ego is controlled enough that I don't have to be the focus.

The discipline of desire is the background of character.

I do things because I enjoy it. That used to be my downfall, but now it's the upside.

Patience is a virtue, and I'm learning patience. It's a tough lesson.

My limits will be better marked. Both the limits I will set, and my own limits.

Tell him, on the contrary, that he needs, in the interest of his own happiness, to walk in the path of humility and self-control, and he will be indifferent, or even actively resentful.

Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself.

There is something good in men that really yearn for discipline.

Yes, we have the freedom to do what we please, but it only works because we don't do everything we might please - we should exercise some degree of personal, and corporate, responsibility.

I am incredibly, incredibly fortunate about the opportunities I've had. But at the same time, I've had plenty of opportunities to screw it up, too. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is 'No...' and not feel the need to do everything. It's about doing what rings true to me.

Each day, each one of us chooses not to do many things that would be legal but offensive to those around us.

Those who restrain their desires, do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained.