The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Self-discipline
It is far easier to start something than it is to finish it.
Amelia Earhart 20 Hrs. 40 Min. · 1928

Quotes

“Diligence overcomes difficulties, sloth makes them.”

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

“A full belly makes a dull brain.”

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

“Be always ashamed to catch thyself idle.”

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

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors.”

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

“Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure.”

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

“He that never eats too much, will never be lazy.”

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

“If you have time don’t wait for time.”

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

“Laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him.”

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

“The honest man takes pains, and then enjoys pleasures; the knave takes pleasures, and then suffers pains.”

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

“’Tis easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.”

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

“Would you live with ease, do what you ought, and not what you please.”

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

“We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly.”

Benjamin Franklin · The Way to Wealth, 1758 · Primary source

“The man who is good at making an excuse, is seldom good at any thing else.”

Benjamin Franklin · Liber Facetiarum: Being a Collection of Curious and Interesting Anecdotes, 1809 · Secondary source

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

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Compensation, 1841 · Primary source

“Ask advice of him who governs himself well.”

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

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”

Thomas Jefferson · Letter to Thomas Jefferson Smith, 1825 · Primary source

Works

Ralph Waldo Emerson · 1841
Prudence

An examination of practical wisdom, arguing that sound judgement requires attention to material realities, consequences, discipline, health, and everyday conduct.

Read summary·Explore 2 quotes
Thomas Jefferson · 1825
Letter to Thomas Jefferson Smith

A letter of moral and practical advice on virtue, duty, self-discipline, personal conduct, religion, and relations with others.

Read summary·Explore 10 quotes

Related Tags

Perseverance 26 Follow-through 3 Commitment 15 Completion 1 Moderation 8 Overindulgence 1 Mental alertness 2 Idleness 6 Industry 17 Use of time 3 Accountability 15 Vice 2 Neighbourliness 3 Peace 8 Moral conduct 5 Diligence 14 Sloth 3 Procrastination 9 Time management 8 Efficiency 7 Leisure 7 Overeating 1 Laziness 3 Energy 2 Time 20 Initiative 18 Opportunity 14 Poverty 6 Inaction 2 Honesty 11 Consequences 12 Pleasure 5 Responsibility 27 Habits 3 Prevention 3 Behaviour 7 Self-control 13 Duty 11 Desire 6 Conduct 11 Pride 7 Folly 3 Financial consequences 2 Excuses 1 Competence 1 Temptation 3 Resistance 7 Moral strength 1 Character 20 Advice 4 Judgement 29 Self-governance 1 Practical wisdom 5 Material reality 1 Transcendentalism 32 Virtue 6 Canons of conduct 1