Jean Cocteau on character

Victor Hugo was a madman who thought he was Victor Hugo.

A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses.

The day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

John Wooden1910–2010

Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.

Tacitus55–120

Character is higher than intellect… A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think.

Ralph Waldo Emerson1803–1882The American Scholar (1837), par. 27