Michel de Montaigne Quotes

There is indeed a certain sense of gratification when we do a good deed that gives us inward satisfaction, and a generous pride that accompanies a good conscience…These testimonies of a good conscience are pleasant; and such a natural pleasure is very beneficial to us; it is the only payment that can never fail. “On Repentance

Be noble in every thought And in every deed!

The superior man... does not set his mind either for or against anything, he will pursue whatever is right. The superior man thinks of virtue, the common man of comfort.

Virtue is the desire of things honourable and the power of attaining them.

If virtue goes to sleep, it will be more vigorous when it awakes.

Fatal human malice is the staple of narrators, original sin the mother-fluid of historians. But it is a risky enterprise to have to write of virtue.

It's easier to swoon in pious dreams Than do good actions.

Great hearts alone understand how much glory there is in being good.

Character gives us qualities, but it is in our actions — what we do — that we are happy or the reverse.

The finest defense of character is correct action. Acquaint yourself with virtue, and you can expect proper treatment from those around you.

Moral excellence is an ornament for personal beauty; righteous conduct, for high birth; success for learning; and proper spending for wealth.

Content thyself to be obscurely good. When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, the post of honoris a private station.

He is not great who is not greatly good.

The pious and just honoring of ourselves may be thought the fountainhead from whence every laudable and worthy enterprise issues forth.

I know no other sign of superiority than Goodness.

Remember our words, then, and whatever is your aim let virtue be the condition of the attainment of your aim, and know that without this all possessions and pursuits are dishonourable and evil.

Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.

Birth is nothing where virtue is not

Virtue has her heroes too As well as Fame and Fortune.

The esteem of wise and good men is the greatest of all temporal encouragements to virtue; and it is a mark of an abandoned spirit to have no regard to it.

The good refrain from sin from the pure love of virtue.

A good conscience is a continual feast.

There is no substitute for virtue. Keep your thoughts virtuous. Rise above the filth that's all around you in this world and stand tall in strength and virtue. You can do this and you will be happier for it for as long as you live. God bless you in cherishing, developing and holding on to this great gift, the quality of personal virtue.