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Quotes about character

276 quotes from 175 people

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Mutability of temper and inconsistency with ourselves is the greatest weakness of human nature.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator (1711–1714), No. 162 (5 September 1711)
A cheerful temper joined with innocence will make beauty attractive, knowledge delightful and wit good-natured.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Tatler, No. 192 (1 July 1710)
- Happiness
A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator (1711–1714), No. 231 (24 November 1711)
A man’s first care should be to avoid the reproaches of his own heart; his next to escape the censures of the world.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator, No. 122 (20 July 1711)
- Morality
At the same time that I think discretion the most useful talent a man can be master of, I look upon cunning to be the accomplishment of little, mean, ungenerous minds.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator, No. 225 (17 November 1711)
- Wisdom
Cunning is only the mimic of discretion, and may pass upon weak men in the same manner as vivacity is often mistaken for wit, and gravity for wisdom.
Joseph Addison1672–1719The Spectator, No. 225 (17 November 1711)
- Wisdom
Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt.
Felix Adler1851–1933Founding Address (1876)
- Virtue
It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
Aeschylus525–456 BCFragment 394 (222 Smyth), from an unidentified play. Included in Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919).
- Honor
His resolve is not to seem, but to be, the best.
Aeschylus525–456 BCSeven Against Thebes (467 BC), line 592
- Virtue
A man is known by the company he keeps.
Aesop620–564 BCAesop’s Fables (6th century BC), The Gamecocks and the Partridge – The Dove and the CrowIn context
- Friendship
Fine feathers don’t make fine birds.
Aesop620–564 BCAesop’s Fables (6th century BC), The Bald Knight – The Woman and Her HenIn context
- Beauty
Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety; it shows itself in acts, rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations.
Louisa May Alcott1832–1888Little Women (1868–1869), Part Second, Chapter XXXVIIn context
- Religion
I’ve never minded being disciplined. I’d always rather have a quiet evening in than go to a wild party. Discipline for me has always been the foundation which leaves me free to fly.
Julie Andrewsborn 1935Woman & Home (July 2000)
- Freedom
Greatness is a spiritual condition worthy to excite love, interest, and admiration; and the outward proof of possessing greatness is that we excite love, interest, and admiration.
Matthew Arnold1822–1888Culture and Anarchy (1869), Ch. I, Sweetness and Light
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
Arthur Ashe1943–19931991 commencement address at Ohio Wesleyan University
- Courage