Marcus Tullius Cicero Quotes

Patience is moral elasticity.

Virtue is the roughest way, but proves at night a bed of down.

To live a life of virtue, you have to become consistent, even when it isn't convenient, comfortable, or easy.

Virtue is an inner strength. It expands your nature.

Even in decline, a virtuous man increases the beauty of his behavior. A burning stick, though turned to the ground, has its flame drawn upwards.

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.

Innocence is not virtue. Virtue demands the active employment of an ardent mind in the promotion of the general good. No man can be eminently virtuous who is not accustomed to an extensive range of reflection.

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.

You have to persevere and fortify your pertinacity until the will to good becomes a disposition to good.

If you don't have courage, you can't practice any of the other virtues.

He who shall practice these twenty virtues shall become invincible in all his undertakings.

Real integrity stays in place whether the test in adversity or prosperity.

Courage is the greatest virtue because it guarantees all the rest.

May your character not be a writing upon the sand, but an inscription upon the rock!

Only a sweet and virtuous soul, like seasoned timber, never gives.

All great natures delight in stability; all great men find eternity affirmed in the very promise of their faculties.

"Virtue," he said. "The real thing. It's not some kind of cuddly teddy bear you can keep on the shelf until you need a hug. It's dangerous, which is why it makes people so nervous. Virtue has its own agenda, and believe me, it's not always yours. The word itself means strength, power. And when it gets loose, you'd better watch out." "Something bad might happen..." "Impossible. But possibly something painful."

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

Virtue is the health of the soul. It gives a flavor to the smallest leaves of life.

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.

Without virtue, happiness cannot be.

When virtue has slept it will arise more vigorous.