The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him.
Men and women of every faith and good people with none at all sincerely strive to do right and lead a purpose-driven life.
Each must in virtue strive for to excel; That man lives twice that lives the first life well.
A good person, striving dimly, Is well aware of the right path.
We ought, so far as it lies within our power, to aspire to immortality, and do all that we can to live in conformity with the highest that is within us; for even if it is small in quantity, in power and preciousness, it far excels all the rest.
Man will ever remain imperfect, and it will always be his part to try to be perfect.
Heroes in drama are people who try hard to reach a virtuous ideal. And whether they succeed or fail really doesn't matter - it's the trying that counts.
What is our praise or pride but to imagine excellence and try to make it? What does it say over the door of heaven; but, homo (sapiens) fecit?
As a Christian, we always fail because we can't become Christ. But I can try to at least emulate the best qualities, even if I may fall short.
The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions.
I'm not perfect in my walk but I want to do the right thing.
All history is man's efforts to realize ideals.
I think we're innately good. But it doesn't mean we're gonna do good all the time. It means you have to strive.
The vital straining towards an ideal, definite but latent, when it dominates a whole life, may express that ideal more fully than could the best chosen words.
I just try to be the best Catholic.
I am never better than when I am on the full stretch for God.
In this fallen world, I suspect we will never achieve perfection. But that won't stop me trying.
I believe you have to keep the theological standard high; the Lord said, 'Be perfect,' and the leaders have to be striving for that standard with all there is in them.
A virtuous, ordinary life, striving for wisdom but never far from folly, is achievement enough.
The pursuit of holiness must be anchored in the grace of God; otherwise it is doomed to failure
