John Sterling Quotes

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.

Teach him to deny himself.

The whole point of a sacrifice is that you give up something you never really wanted in the first place. People are doing it around you all the time. They give up their careers, say - or their beliefs - or sex.

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

Education has for its object the formation of character.

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

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

They who overcome their desires once can overcome them always.

Discipline is wisdom and vice versa.

Virtue comes by nature, learning, and practice, and thanks to virtue, all of the aforesaid may deserve approval.

At our house we have come to conclude that building and strengthening character will require extreme measures and the intentional pursuit of gritty work experiences.

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

Learning patience was not an easy lesson.

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

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.

The walls of that grand edifice called a good character have to be worked at during life.

Everybody wants to be good, but not many are prepared to make the sacrifices it takes to be great. To many people, being nice in order to be liked is more important. There's equal merit in that, but you must not confuse being good with being liked.

The humblest occupation has in it materials of discipline for the highest heaven.

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

Virtues are acquired through endeavor, which rests wholly upon yourself.

The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline.

I haven't always acted or reacted in a way that made me proud, but I didn't make that same mistake twice, and I think that's what I love about adversity is that it always reminds me of what's really valuable in life.

He that has energy enough to root out a vice should go further, and try to plant a virtue in its place.

To be good, we must do good; and by doing good we take a sure means of being good, as the use and exercise of the muscles increase their power.

There's no credit in not doing what you don't want to do. There's no virtue in not falling, when you're not tempted.