Self-mastery is a challenge for every individual. Only we can control our appetites and passions. Self-mastery cannot be bought by money or fame. It is the ultimate test of our character. It requires climbing out of the deep valleys of our lives and scaling our own Mount Everests.

Though the soul be tried, the heart faint, and the hands hang down, we must not retrace our steps; there must be decision of character, aside from sympathy.

We are, all of us, a reflection of what we do with time, of what we want – or at least what we want enough to be willing to work for.

If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

The grateful mind is constantly fixed upon the best. Therefore it tends to become the best. It takes the form or character of the best, and will receive the best.

Tell me what you like, and I'll tell you what you are.

It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not to deserve them.

Seven social sins: politics without principles, wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, and worship without sacrifice

Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming.