Resolution is omnipotent.—Determine to be something in the world, and you will be something.—Aim at excellence, and excellence will be attained.—This is the great secret of effort and eminence.—“I cannot do it,” never accomplished anything; “I will try,” has wrought wonders.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Perseverance, Energy
He that cannot decidedly say, “No,” when tempted to evil, is on the highway to ruin. He loses the respect even of those who would tempt him, and becomes but the pliant tool and victim of their evil designs.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Decision, Choice
He who cares only for himself in youth will be a very niggard in manhood, and a wretched miser in old age.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Youth
The strength and safety of a community consist in the virtue and intelligence of its youth, especially of its young men.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Youth
If a young man is loose in his principles and habits; if he lives without plan and without object, spending his time in idleness and pleasure, there is more hope of a fool than of him.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Youth
A good name lost is seldom regained.—When character is gone, all is gone, and one of the richest jewels of life is lost forever.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Character, Names
Aim at the sun, and you may not reach it; but your arrow will fly far higher than if aimed at an object on a level with yourself.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Aspirations, AIDS, Goals
To think and feel we are able, is often to be so.
—Joel Hawes
Every man who loves his country, or wishes well to the best interests of society, will show himself a decided friend not only of morality and the laws, but of religious institutions, and honorably bear his part in supporting them.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Public, Patriotism
Every period of life has its peculiar temptations and dangers. But youth is the time when we are the most likely to be ensnared. This, preeminently, is the forming, fixing period, the spring season of disposition and habit; and it is during this season, more than any other, that the character assumes its permanent shape and color, and the young are wont to take their course for time and for eternity.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Youth
Few people disparage a distinguished ancestry except those who have none of their own.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Ancestry
The character is like white paper; if once blotted, it can hardly ever be made to appear white as before.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Character
Duelling makes a virtue of pride and revenge; and, in defiance of the laws, both of God and man, assumes itself the right of avenging its own wrongs, and even exults in the blood of its murdered victim.
—Joel Hawes
A good character is; in all cases, the fruit of personal exertion. It is not inherited from parents; it is not created by external advantages; it is no necessary appendage of birth, wealth, talents, or station; but it is the result of one’s own endeavors—the fruit and reward of good principles manifested in a course of virtuous and honorable action.
—Joel Hawes
Topics: Character
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