"The moral compass points true only when freed from the magnetism of personal gain. Let this simple maxim guide your daily deeds — an essential principle for the reflective life."

Character

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on character by Jane Austen resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in character is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Jane Austen

Jane Austen was an English writer known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment on the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Jane Austen

"It is a radiant truth that reason is the torch that illuminates the dark corridors of superstition — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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More about Character

"Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases."

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"A pun does not commonly justify a blow in return. But if a blow were given for such cause, and death ensued, the jury would be judges both of the facts and of the pun, and might, if the latter were of an aggravated character, return a verdict of justifiable homicide."

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