Researchers were surprised to find that people with strong self-control spent less time resisting desires than other people did. . . . people with good self-control mainly use it not for rescue in emergencies but rather to develop effective habits and routines in school and at work.

Willpower is a muscle that can be strengthened.

What sets human beings apart from animals is not the pursuit of happiness, which occurs all across the natural world, but the pursuit of meaning, which is unique to humans.

Evil is not likely to result where people firmly believe that ends do not justify the means.

People with high but unstable self-esteem exhibit the greatest hostility.

The societal pursuit of high self-esteem for everyone may literally end up doing considerable harm.

Researchers were surprised to find that people with strong self-control spent less time resisting desires than other people did. . . . people with good self-control mainly use it not for rescue in emergencies but rather to develop effective habits and routines in school and at work.