Samuel Johnson Quotes

If there is no element of asceticism in our lives, if we give free rein to the desires of the flesh (taking care of course to keep within the limits of what seems permissible to the world), we shall find it hard to train for the service of Christ. When the flesh is satisfied it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation.

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

Patience means restraining one's inclinations.

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

Temperance is simply a disposition of the mind which binds the passion.

We've led pretty wholesome lives. We haven't lived life to excess like so many groups have done.

There is more security in self-denial, mortification, and other like virtues, than in an abundance of tears.

Abstinence is the surety of temperance.

Moderation is an ostentatious proof of our strength of character.

Courage without discipline is nearer beastliness than manhood.

Those who walk in the Way should avoid sensualism as those who carry hay would avoid coming near the fire.

Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.

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

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

When sages commend excess, Desire is sick.

Temperance is a mean with regard to pleasures.

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

Everything must be carried out in extreme sobriety.

The life of a good man is a continual warfare with his passions.

Here's a rule I recommend: Never practice two vices at once.

Temperance is moderation in the things that are good and total abstinence from the things that are foul.

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.

I wasn't blessed with the natural ability to rein myself in.

Self-control is only courage under another form. It may also be regarded as the primary essence of character.

Temperance is reason's girdle and passion's bridle, the strength of the soul and the foundation of virtue.