From lowest place when virtuous things proceed,
The place is dignified by the doer's deed.

To be innocent is to be not guilty; but to be virtuous is to overcome our evil inclinations

Virtuous deeds make you great.

People who don't like cats always seem to think there is some peculiar virtue in not liking them.

With their virtues they want to scratch out the eyes of their enemies; and they elevate themselves only that they may lower others.

For in prosperity a man is often puffed up with pride, whereas tribulations chasten and humble him through suffering and sorrow. In the midst of prosperity the mind is elated, and in prosperity a man forgets himself; in hardship he is forced to reflect on himself, even though he be unwilling. In prosperity a man often destroys the good he has done; amidst difficulties he often repairs what he long since did in the way of wickedness.