We are double-edged blades, and every time we whet our virtue the return stroke strops our vice. – Henry David Thoreau

He that has energy enough to root out a vice should go further, and try to plant a virtue in its place. – Charles Caleb Colton

Virtue would not travel so far if vanity did not keep her company. – François VI de la Rochefoucault (1613–1680)

Any of us can achieve virtue, if by virtue we merely mean the avoidance of the vices that do not attract us. – Robert S. Lynd