The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Character
The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops—no, but the kind of man the country turns out.
Ralph Waldo Emerson Civilization · 1870

Quotes

“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · New England Reformers, 1844 · Primary source

“If you would be loved, love and be lovable.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Let every new year find you a better man.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Observe all men; thyself most.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“There was never a good knife made of bad steel.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Virtue and happiness are mother and daughter.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“When you’re good to others, you are best to yourself.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Words may show a man’s wit, but actions his meaning.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Character is higher than intellect.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · The American Scholar, 1837 · Primary source

“We gain the strength of the temptation we resist.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Compensation, 1841 · Primary source

“We must be our own [friend] before we can be another’s.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Friendship, 1841 · Primary source

“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · The Transcendentalist, 1842 · Primary source

“A little integrity is better than any career.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Behavior, 1860 · Primary source

“Ask advice of him who governs himself well.”

Leonardo da Vinci · The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, 1888 · Primary source

“To speak well of a base man is much the same as speaking ill of a good man.”

Leonardo da Vinci · The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, 1888 · Primary source

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · No reliable source

Works

Ralph Waldo Emerson · 1841
Compensation

An exploration of moral balance and consequence, arguing that actions, gains and losses are answered by corresponding effects in life.

Read summary·Explore 14 quotes
Ralph Waldo Emerson · 1860
Behavior

An examination of manners, conduct and social presence, arguing that character is revealed through behaviour, expression, courtesy and everyday interactions.

Read summary·Explore 2 quotes

Related Tags

Love 8 Affection 6 Reciprocity 11 Relationships 8 Self-improvement 6 Reflection 10 Progress 6 Personal growth 5 Self-awareness 10 Observation 17 Self-examination 5 Quality 4 Foundations 1 Potential 4 Development 2 Virtue 6 Happiness 5 Wellbeing 3 Moral conduct 5 Kindness 7 Goodwill 3 Longevity 4 Meaning 4 Mortality 30 Quality of life 2 Actions 1 Words 1 Intentions 1 Credibility 3 Intellect 4 Integrity 19 Action 21 Self-reliance 48 Temptation 3 Self-discipline 19 Resistance 7 Moral strength 1 Self-respect 4 Friendship 16 Independence 29 Solitude 3 Company 1 Discernment 5 Intrinsic reward 1 Duty 11 Good work 1 Career 1 Principles 3 Professional conduct 1 Civilisation 5 Social progress 3 National development 1 Human quality 1 Inner strength 1 Resilience 28 Human potential 10 Advice 4 Judgement 29 Self-governance 1 Reputation 16 Moral judgement 3 Praise 2 Moral consequence 2 Balance 4 Justice 9 Transcendentalism 32 Manners 2 Social conduct 2 Courtesy 2 Self-command 4