William Gurnall Quotes

The art of living consists in knowing which impulses to obey and which must be made to obey.

Self-control is one of the most exhilarating of pleasures.

The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rather it is he who bends them into the shape of reason and right judgement. Who has a stiffer battle to fight than the man who is striving to conquer himself.

What is self-control? It is nothing but a highly developed vital sense, dominating and regulating the mere appetites. To overlook the very existence of this supreme sense; to miss the obvious inference that it is the quality that distinguishes the fittest to survive.

Patience means restraining one's inclinations.

Self-control is only courage under another form. It may also be regarded as the primary essence of character.

It is difficult to stop in time because one gets carried away. But I have that strength; it is the only strength I have.

Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion.

A man without self-restraint is like a barrel without hoops, and tumbles to pieces.

Observing desire without acting on it enlarges our freedom to choose how we live.

A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are roused gives the measure of that man's character. In these reactions are revealed the man's power to govern or his forced servility to yield.

We must understand that the highest form of freedom carries with it the greatest measure of discipline.

The intelligent desire self-control; children want candy.

Moderation is an ostentatious proof of our strength of character.

To observe morality is to attain mastery over our mind and our passions.

It is hard to fight desire; but to control it is the sign of a reasonable man.

Courage without discipline is nearer beastliness than manhood.

A man who wants to control his animal passions easily does so if he controls his palate.

There is perhaps no psychological skill more fundamental than resisting impulse.

Self-control is solely a matter of thought-control!

I lack what the English call character, by which they mean the power to refrain.

Willpower can produce short-term change, but it creates constant internal stress because you haven't dealt with the root cause.

It's natural for humans to suppress urges, for when our desires are left unchecked they lead to broken relationships, prison time, and forest fires.

The use of self control is like the use of brakes on train. It is useful when you find yourself in wrong direction but merely harmful when the direction is right

As long as I have you there is just one other thing I'll always need - tremendous self control.