Terry Pratchett Quotes

Search others for their virtue, and yourself for your vices.

In the matter of learning, the difference between the earnest and the careless student stands out clearly. The same holds true in the mastering of passion and the weaknesses to which our nature is subject, as in the acquiring of virtue.

The formation of one's character ought to be everyone's chief aim.

The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.

Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men and women.

An individual step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual.

Self criticism must be my guide to action, and the first rule for its employment is that in itself it is not a virtue, only a procedure.

It is of no use to discover our own faults and infirmities unless the discovery prompts up to amendment.

I better be humble. I'm always checking myself.

The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticise others.

Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat; Of habits devil, is angel yet in this.

One can acquire some virtues by feigning them for a long time.

I just want to be as good a person as I can be.

No one is born without vices, and he is the best man who is encumbered with the least.

I understood, by dint of digging into my memories, that modesty helped me to shine, humility helped me to triumph and virtue to oppress.

Solitude cherishes great virtues and destroys little ones.

No evil propensity of the human heart is so powerful that it may not be subdued by discipline.

I try to be a good person. I know what my downfalls are, so that's a good thing.

The discipline of desire is the background of character.

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

I've never had any desire to be good. I don't like goodness particularly.

I couldn't make sense of things. But then I began the process of civilising myself and trying to become a decent human being. I'm still working on it.

Laws control the lesser man... Right conduct controls the greater one.

Man should be ever better than he seems.

Man cannot be uplifted; he must be seduced into virtue.