Famously Said Random quote

Quotes about virtue

884 quotes from 395 people

Most readBy personPage 50 of 59

Have the courage to be ignorant of a great number of things, in order to avoid the calamity of being ignorant of everything.
Sydney Smith1771–1845Elementary Sketches of Moral Philosophy (1849)
- Courage
- Knowledge
The true measurement of a person’s worth isn’t what they say they believe in, but what they do in defense of those beliefs. If you’re not acting on your beliefs, then they probably aren’t real.
Edward Snowdenborn 1983As quoted in Glenn Greenwald, No Place to Hide (Penguin, 2015 ed.), p. 45
- Character
The nearest way to glory is to strive to be what you wish to be thought
to be.
Socrates470–399 BC
It would be better for me… that multitudes of men should disagree with me rather than that I, being one, should be out of harmony with myself.
Socrates470–399 BCGorgias, 482c
- Character
For kindness begets kindness evermore,
But he from whose mind fades the memory
Of benefits, noble is he no more.
Sophocles496–406 BCAjax, Line 522–524 (tr. R. C. Trevelyan, 1919)
- Character
- Charity
This is man’s highest end,
To others’ service all his powers to lend.
Sophocles496–406 BCOedipus the King (c. 429 BC), spoken by OedipusIn context
- Charity
If the battle for civilization comes down to the wimps versus the barbarians, the barbarians are going to win.
Thomas Sowellborn 1930Wimps Versus Barbarians, May 21, 2013
- Courage
The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools.
Herbert Spencer1820–1903Essays: Scientific, Political, and Speculative (1891), Vol. 3, Ch. IX, State-Tamperings with Money and Banks
- Intelligence
- Responsibility
Education has for its object the formation of character.
Herbert Spencer1820–1903Social Statics (1851), Pt. II, Ch. 17: The Rights of Children
- Character
- Education
Standing up to an evil system is exhilarating, and now I have a taste for it.
Richard Stallmanborn 1953Thus Spake Stallman (2000)
- Courage
One can acquire everything in solitude — except character.
Stendhal1783–1842De L’Amour (On Love) (1822), Fragments
- Character
I have said what I meant and meant what I said. I have not done as well as I should like to have done, but I have done my best, frankly and forthrightly; no man can do more, and you are entitled to no less.
Adlai Stevenson II1900–1965Speech, (3 November 1952) as quoted in “The Graceful Loser” in Time (23 July 1965)
- Character
For my part I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.
Adlai Stevenson II1900–1965Response to a heckler asking him to state his beliefs, as quoted in Time magazine (1 November 1963)
- Forgiveness
The dedication of a lifetime — these are words that are easy to utter, but this is a mighty assignment. For it is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.
Adlai Stevenson II1900–1965Speech to the American Legion convention, New York City (27 August 1952); as quoted in “Democratic Candidate Adlai Stevenson Defines the Nature of Patriotism” in Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches In History (2004) by William Safire, p. 79—80
- Character
In matters of national security emotion is no substitute for intelligence, nor rigidity for prudence. To act coolly, intelligently and prudently in perilous circumstances is the test of a man — and also a nation.
Adlai Stevenson II1900–1965Radio address (11 April 1955); as quoted in The World’s Great Speeches (1999) edited by Lewis Copeland, Lawrence W. Lamm, and Stephen J. McKenna
- Character
- Wisdom