Isaac Barrow Quotes

To know what virtue is is not enough; we must endeavor to possess and to practice it, or in some other manner actually ourselves to become good.

It is our choice of good or evil that determines our character, not our opinion about good or evil.

I do not believe we can blame genetics for adultery, homosexuality, dishonesty and other character flaws.

I've never had any desire to be good. I don't like goodness particularly.

Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men and women.

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent.

A good moral character is the first essential. It is highly important not only to be learned but to be virtuous.

Nature does not bestow virtue; to be good is an art.

A good man will not lie, although it be for his profit.

Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.

It is not in everyone's power to secure wealth, office, or honors; but everyone may be good, generous, and wise.

Whatever any one does or says, I must be good; just as if the emerald were always saying this: "Whatever any one does or says, I must still be emerald, and keep my color.

Without virtue, happiness cannot be.

Virtue is no empty echo.

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece - by thought, choice, courage, and determination.

What is called virtue in the common sense of the word has nothing to do with this or that man's prosperity, or even happiness.

There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.

There is no better proof of a man's being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.

There is no real excellence in all of this world which can be separated from right living.

Even in decline, a virtuous man increases the beauty of his behavior. A burning stick, though turned to the ground, has its flame drawn upwards.

I'm actually a pretty decent human being, and when I'm home I'm straight as an arrow.

Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure there is one less rascal in the world.

I protest that if some great Power would agree to make me always think what is true and do what is right, on condition of being turned into a sort of clock and would up every morning before I got out of bed, I should instantly close with the offer.