Francois de La Rochefoucauld Quotes

We should make virtue our master, not our servant.

Nature does not bestow virtue; to be good is an art.

We usually know what we can do, but temptation shows us who we are.

A man should be upright, not be kept upright.

Character is the indelible mark that determines the only true value of all people and all their work.

Virtues are acquired through endeavor, which rests wholly upon yourself.

It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.

Laws control the lesser man... Right conduct controls the greater one.

Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will.

You're always concerned for your character. You should be.

Virtue consists, not in abstaining from vice, but in not desiring it.

Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men and women.

Perfection of moral virtue does not wholly take away the passions, but regulates them.

It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But... it is better to be good than to be ugly.

Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one.

I doubt that anyone does not really believe in God. People may think they don't have any belief, but you will usually find that there is a belief in something beyond himself. In any case, I would not judge a man's character by his belief or unbelief. I would judge his character by his deeds; and no matter what he said about his beliefs, his behavior would soon show whether he was a man of good character or bad.

Integrity in the Moment of Choice: Quality of life depends on what happens in the space between stimulus and response.

It is a ridiculous thing for a man not to fly from his own badness, which is indeed possible, but to fly from other men's badness, which is impossible.

For self is the lord of self, self is the refuge of self; therefore curb thyself as the merchant curbs a good horse.

Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.

A good man does not spy around for the black spots in others, but presses unswervingly on towards his mark.

You must do right before you feel good.

Whatever the mind of man creates, should be controlled by man's character.

Do your best when no one is looking.

To live a disciplined life, and to accept the result of that discipline as the will of God - that is the mark of a man.