Judith Viorst Quotes

We say no to lots of things that would please us. I would like to punch people every now and then, but I don't. I would like to have something for free rather than pay for it. I would like to skip to the front of the line... I don't mean to brush aside the taste of meat, which is a powerful attraction. But its power is not without limit.

Start the practice of self-control with some penance; begin with fasting.

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

The most important lesson I've learned in this business is how to say no. I have said no to a lot of temptations, and I am glad I did.

I'm the worst ad anyone could possibly be for abstaining from anything.

Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.

Patience means restraining one's inclinations.

Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it charm.

No man in the world has more courage than the man who can stop after eating one peanut.

The hardest thing for me is restraint.

About the only time losing is more fun than winning is when you're fighting temptation.

A prince must, above all things, accustom himself to moderate his desires. For as he has the power of gratifying them, if he once gives way to them, he will run to the greatest excess, and, by destroying his subjects, will at last complete his own ruin. In order to form himself to this moderation, nothing is more proper, than to accustom himself to patience. This is the most necessary of all virtues for those, who are to command. A man must be patient to become master of himself and others.

The hardest thing for me is restraint. I see fresh beans and ramps, and I start to quiver.

Every time I say 'no' to a small temptation, I strengthen my will to say 'no' to a greater one.

It's not easy not to play.

Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you need to - restraint is something I admire.

Temptations, unlike opportunities, will always give you many second chances.

I wish I didn't like sweets as much as I do. I wish I didn't get carried away sometimes.

It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.

I am not allowing myself to get carried away.

Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.

Protect me from what I want.

Abstainer: a weak person who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure.

Subdue your appetites, my dears, and you've conquered human nature.

I have to think of moderation, which is not a word that's in my vocabulary. But I try.