John Vanbrugh Quotes

Virtue is our true wealth and the true reward of its possessor; it cannot be lost, it never deserts us until life leaves us.

Virtue is a kind of health, beauty and good habit of the soul.

Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.

The general goodness, which is nourished in noble hearts makes every one think that strength of virtue to be in another whereof they find assured foundation in themselves.

Goodness consists not in the outward things we do, but in the inward thing we are.

I know no other sign of superiority than Goodness.

Hast thou virtue? acquire also the graces and beauties of virtue.

Virtue is no empty echo.

For as much as to understand and to be mighty are great qualities, the higher that they be, they are so much the less to be esteemed if goodness also abound not in the possessor.

A good man will certainly also possess courage; but a brave man is not necessarily good.

There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.

Rarely do great beauty and great virtue dwell together.

Elegance is inferior to virtue.

The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.

Virtue is the fount whence honour springs.

Only a man's character is the real criterion of worth

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent.

For he who is honest is noble, Whatever his fortunes or birth.

Excellence or virtue in a man will be the disposition which renders him a good man and also which will cause him to perform his function well.

Virtue is that perfect good, which is the complement of a happy life; the only immortal thing that belongs to mortality.

Character - not wealth, power, or position - is the supreme word.

Virtue does not come from wealth, but wealth, and every other good thing which men have comes from virtue.

Character is in turn the enduring source of virtue. It stands by itself and excites admiration in others. It is not obedience to authority, and while it is often consistent with and reinforced by religious belief, it is not piety.

For he that once is good, is ever great.