John Milton Quotes

Virtue that wavers is not virtue, but vice revolted from itself, and after a while returning. The actions of just and pious men do not darken in their middle course.

The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

Lay down true principles and adhere to them inflexibly.

Let no one charge me with ever having abused or encouraged weakness or surrendered on matters of principle. But I have said, as I say again, that every trifle must not be dignified into a principle.

Virtue has many preachers, but few martyrs.

An honest man is strange when he is among dishonest men, but it is a good kind of strangeness.

Whatever any one does or says, I must be good; just as if the emerald were always saying this: "Whatever any one does or says, I must still be emerald, and keep my color.

A good man is not mine to see. Could I see a man possessed of constancy, that would satisfy me.

Virtue shuns ease as a companion. It demands a rough and thorny path.

Be thou good thyself, and let people speak evil of thee; it is better than to be wicked, and that they should consider thee as good.

The act of defending any of the cardinal virtues has today all the exhilaration of a vice.

It will not do to be saints at meeting and sinners everywhere else.

Integrity is what you do when no one is watching; its doing the right thing all the time, even when it may work to your disadvantage.

Do not feel lonely on the road of righteousness Because of the fewness of the walkers on it.

Virtue is the health, true state, natural complexion of the Soul.

Virtue is the health of the soul.

The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor.

Flinch not, neither give up nor despair, if the achieving of every act in accordance with right principle is not always continuous with thee.

You're an intelligent person of great moral character who has taken a very courageous stand. I'm an intelligent person with no moral character at all, so I'm in an ideal position to appreciate it.

The determined scholar and the man of virtue will not seek to live at the expense of injuring their virtue. They will even sacrifice their lives to preserve their virtue complete.

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

Infinite patience, infinite purity, and infinite perseverance are the secret of success in a good cause.

Virtue has her heroes too As well as Fame and Fortune.

Morals aren't just for when it's easy, Anita. They aren't morals if you throw them aside every time it's convenient.

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.