Instead of saying that man is the creature of circumstance, it would be nearer the mark to say that man read more

Instead of saying that man is the creature of circumstance, it would be nearer the mark to say that man is the architect of circumstance. It is character which builds an existence out of circumstance. From the same materials one man builds palaces, another hovels; one warehouses, another villas; bricks and mortar are mortar and bricks until the architect can make them something else.

Heroic, stoic Cato, the sententious,
Who lent his lady to his friend Hortensius.

Heroic, stoic Cato, the sententious,
Who lent his lady to his friend Hortensius.

Many men build as cathedrals were built, the part nearest the
ground finished; but that part which soars toward read more

Many men build as cathedrals were built, the part nearest the
ground finished; but that part which soars toward heaven, the
turrets and the spires, forever incomplete.

If we are forced, at every hour, to watch or listen to horrible events, this constant stream of ghastly impressions read more

If we are forced, at every hour, to watch or listen to horrible events, this constant stream of ghastly impressions will deprive even the most delicate among us of all respect for humanity.

A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of read more

A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.

A man's character is his guardian divinity.

A man's character is his guardian divinity.

All men that are ruined, are ruined on the side of their natural
propensities.

All men that are ruined, are ruined on the side of their natural
propensities.

Only the mediocre are always at their best!

Only the mediocre are always at their best!

One can acquire everything in solitude except character.

One can acquire everything in solitude except character.