August 3

We expect rewards for goodness, and punishment for the bad things we do. Often, they are not immediately forthcoming. Both evil and good exist in the life of the spirit, though, which is outside time, and though we may not see clear indications of reward or punishment with our conscience.

You should be in a hurry to do good works, even small ones, and to avoid sin. One good thing leads to another. The reward for virtue is virtue, and the punishment for vice is more vice.

—The Talmud

The worst punishment is the understanding that you failed to properly use those good things which were given to you. Do not expect a big punishment. There can be no harder punishment than this — remorse.

You seek the cause of evil, and it is only in yourself.

—Jean Jacques Rousseau