Virtue is not the absense of vices or the avoidance of moral dangers; virtue is a vivid and separate thing, read more

Virtue is not the absense of vices or the avoidance of moral dangers; virtue is a vivid and separate thing, like pain or a particular smell.

Of all the benefits which virtue confers on us, the contempt of death is one of the greatest.

Of all the benefits which virtue confers on us, the contempt of death is one of the greatest.

Fewer possess virtue, than those who wish us to believe that they
possess it.
[Lat., Virtute enim ipsa read more

Fewer possess virtue, than those who wish us to believe that they
possess it.
[Lat., Virtute enim ipsa non tam multi praediti esse, quam videri
volunt.]

Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.

Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.

It is always one's virtues and not one's vices that precipitate one into disaster.

It is always one's virtues and not one's vices that precipitate one into disaster.

Certainly virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when they
are incensed or crushed.

Certainly virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when they
are incensed or crushed.

If we had to seek virtue outside of ourselves, that would assuredly be difficult; but as it is within us, read more

If we had to seek virtue outside of ourselves, that would assuredly be difficult; but as it is within us, it suffices to avoid bad thoughts and to keep our souls turned toward the Lord.

Virtue herself is her own fairest reward.rn

Virtue herself is her own fairest reward.rn

He possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence; courage without ferocity; and all the virtues of man without his vices

He possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence; courage without ferocity; and all the virtues of man without his vices