Thomas Hardy Quotes

Men have the power of thinking that they may avoid sin.

Let them call it mischief: When it is past and prospered t'will be virtue.

I really believe my greatest service is in the many unwise steps I prevent.

Virtue is insufficient temptation.

It's easier to stop bad things than to pass good things.

Wisdom we know is the knowledge of good and evil, not the strength to choose between the two.

If people are going to do things which have certain consequences that they would rather avoid, they should do whatever they need to avoid the consequences.

Practical wisdom is what's called for in situations that have a moral dimension to them.

… vice came in always at the door of necessity, not at the door of inclination.

There were times when I was tempted to do wrong, and could have went that way. But I knew it wasn't for me. I was told enough times that it catches up with you, and I believe it.

Of two evils we must always choose the least.

They are focused on whether they can do something. They never think whether they should do something.

Abstinence from sins is better than seeking help afterwards.

The wise does at once what the fool does at last.

Those who are compassionate when they should be tough will be tough when they should be compassionate.

Inaction is perhaps the greatest mistake of all.

Not to decide is to decide.

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.

In Survivor and Finder's Fee, it is about what you would do if you could get away with it. Survivor is about your own integrity and where you draw your own ethical and moral lines. There are no rules.

Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.

It is up to us to make the right choice and the right decisions.

Knowing when to leave may be the smartest thing anyone can learn.

In this life, it's not hard to do wrong.

The whole mystery of temptation is to have sins suggested to us, and to be swept after them by a sudden enthusiasm, which sometimes feels as strong as the Spirit of God ever made in us the enthusiasm for virtue.