Joseph Addison Quotes

True courage is not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve of virtue and reason.

What is character? It is that quality of man which is going to make a man, in an hour of strain, do the just and, if possible, the generous thing.

When God calls a man to be upright and pure and generous, he also calls him to be intelligent and skillful, and strong and brave.

The just man and firm of purpose—not the heat of fellow citizens clamoring for what is wrong, not presence of threatening tyrant can shake—in his rocklike soul.

Perfect valour consists in doing without witnesses that which we would be capable of doing before everyone.

I have the courage of youth, and I'm not afraid of anything. My only enemies are illegality and corruption.

Lord, give me the wisdom to know what's right and the courage to do what's right-even when it's hard.

To give oneself ernestly to securing righteousness and justice among the people, and while respecting the gods and demons, to keep aloof from them, that may be called wisdom.

If we are indeed contending for truth and righteousness, let us not tarry till we have talent, or wealth, or any other form of visible power at our disposal; but with such stones as we find in the brook, and with our own usual sling, let us run to meet the enemy.

I must fight with my weapons. Not his. Not selfishness and brutality and shame and resentment.

If they are just, they are better than clever.

Courage is virtue which champions the cause of right.

God gives manhood but one clew to success,--utter and exact justice; that he guarantees shall be always expediency.

Love of peace is common among weak, short-sighted, timid, and lazy persons; and on the other hand courage is found among many men of evil temper and bad character. Neither quality shall by itself avail. Justice among the nations of mankind, and the uplifting of humanity, can be brought about only by those strong and daring men who with wisdom love peace, but who love righteousness more than peace.

Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Few serve truth in truth because only few have the pure will to be just, and of those again very few have the strength to be just.

ATHENA: You wish to be called righteous rather than act right. [...] I say, wrong must not win by technicalities.

If all men were just there would be no need of valor.

It is courage the world needs, not infallibility...courage is always the surest wisdom.

Thrice is he arm'd that hath his quarrel just, And he but naked, though lock'd up in steel, Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted.

To be fond of learning is near to wisdom; to practice with vigor is near to benevolence; and to be conscious of shame is near to fortitude.

Justice shines in very smoky homes, and honors the righteous; but the gold-spangled mansions where the hands are unclean she leaves with eyes averted.

Be just, and fear not.

Courage, ne'er by sorrow broken! Aid where tears of virtue flow; Faith to keep each promise spoken! Truth alike to friend and foe!