One man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
We want the spirit of America to be efficient; we want American character to be efficient; we want American character to display itself in what I may, perhaps, be allowed to call spiritual efficiency—clear disinterested thinking and fearless action along the right lines of thought.
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) American Head of State
Walk in another’s shoes before judging them.Touch a person’s heart before trying to change their head.While there’s life, there’s hope.
—Terence (c.195–159 BCE) Roman Comic Dramatist
Men of genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared; but only men of character are trusted.
—Alfred Adler (1870–1937) Austrian Psychiatrist
It is a grand mistake to think of being great without goodness; and I pronounce it as certain that there was never yet a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Character is higher than intellect… a great soul will be strong to live, as well as to think.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The superior man cannot be known in little matters, but he may be entrusted with great concerns. The small man may not be entrusted with great concerns, but he may be known in little matters.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is to you.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Perfection of means and confusion of goals seem, in my opinion, to characterize our age.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit.
—James Russell Lowell (1819–91) American Poet, Critic
To point out the importance of circumspection in your conduct, it may be proper to observe that a good moral character is the first essential in a man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through life. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous.
—George Washington (1732–99) American Head of State, Military Leader
Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, “This is what I need”. It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength there. Any disaster you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege!! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow. Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures, followed by wreckage, were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You’ll see this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not. The crisis throws you back, and when you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.
—Joseph Campbell (1904–87) American Mythologist, Writer, Lecturer
Character is much easier kept than recovered.
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809) American Nationalist, Author, Pamphleteer, Radical, Inventor
People of poor character tend to blame their choices on circumstances. Ethical people make good choices regardless of circumstances. If they make enough good choices, they begin to create better conditions for themselves.
—John C. Maxwell (b.1947) American Christian Professional Speaker, Author, Clergyman
You don’t get in life what you want; you get in life what you are.
—Les Brown
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
Talents are best nurtured in solitude; character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
How can we expect a harvest of thought who have not had a seed time of character?
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.
—Tacitus (56–117) Roman Orator, Historian
Self-trust is the essence of heroism.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
If you would not be known to do anything, never do it.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.
—Unknown
He is like a good prewar house-solidly built. They don’t build them that way anymore. He’s also been repainted several times.
—Theodore H. White (1915–86) American Journalist, Historian, Novelist
The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education.
—Maya Angelou (1928–2014) American Poet
The most effective way I know to begin with the end in mind is to develop a personal mission statement or philosophy or creed. It focused on what you want to be (character) and to do (contributions and achievements) and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based.
—Stephen Covey (1932–2012) American Self-help Author
What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are.
—C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) Irish-born British Academic, Author, Literary Scholar
Some people are born hammers, others anvils.
—Common Proverb
Few persons are made of such strong fiber that they will make a costly outlay when surface work will pass as well in the market.
—Edward McKendree Bounds (1835–1913) American Methodist Clergyman, Author, Lawyer
People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.
—Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American First Lady, Diplomat, Humanitarian