Philip Sidney Quotes

As to virtue . . . it is an act of the will, a habit which increases the quantity, intensity and quality of life. It builds up, strengthens and vivifies personality.

It is by doing good that we become good.

Innocence is not virtue. Virtue demands the active employment of an ardent mind in the promotion of the general good. No man can be eminently virtuous who is not accustomed to an extensive range of reflection.

Character teaches above our wills.

Men become old, but they never become good.

If reason dominates in man, he rises higher than angels. If lust overpowers man, he descends lower than the beast.

Character: the grandest thing in the world.

Worthy character is best forged from a life of consistent, correct choices centered in the teachings of the Master.

Vice is man's nature: virtue is a habit--or a mask.

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

It is very rare to find ground which produces nothing; if it is not covered with flowers, with fruit trees and grains, it produces briers and pines. It is the same with man; if he is not virtuous, he becomes vicious.

If self-knowledge is the road to virtue, so is virtue still more the road to self-knowledge.

It is our choice of good or evil that determines our character, not our opinion about good or evil.

Of all evil I deem you capable: therefore I want the good from you.

There is no royal road or ready way to virtue.

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece - by thought, choice, courage, and determination.

Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.

Where there is no temptation, there is no virtue.

Real religion is about, developing real character; character of compassion, character of humility, the character of determination to grow in all circumstances.

If one is not virtuous he becomes vicious.

Character is a perfectly educated will.

Character is perfectly educated will.

If you want the secondary greatness of recognized talent, focus first on primary greatness of character.

I've always believed in people's capacity for goodness. I still believe that people are good. What I'm not so trusting about anymore is their relationship to their own goodness.

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