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Virtue consists, not in abstaining from vice, but in not desiring it.

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As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.

A small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle; and that almost every man is more or less, under its influence. Motives of public virtue may for a time, or in particular instances, actuate men to the observance of a conduct purely disinterested; but they are not of themselves sufficient to produce persevering conformity to the refined dictates and obligations of social duty.

Skepticism is a virtue in history as well as in philosophy.

Who sows virtue reaps honor.

Virtue is our true wealth and the true reward of its possessor; it cannot be lost, it never deserts us until life leaves us. Hold property and external riches with fear; they often leave their possessor scorned and mocked at for having lost them.

Envy wounds with false accusations, that is with detraction, a thing which scares virtue.