Some are so very studious of learning what was done by the ancients that they know not how to live with the moderns.
Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.
The tallest Trees are most in the Power of the Winds, and Ambitious Men of the Blasts of Fortune.
To be a man’s own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody’s.
Kings in this world should imitate God, their mercy should be above their works.
He that lives to forever, never fears dying.
Not to be provok’d is best: But if mov’d, never correct till the fume is spent; for every stroke our fury strikes, is sure to hit our selves at last.
Next to God, thy parents.
They have a right to censure that have a heart to help.
Where charity keeps pace with gain, industry is blessed.
To hazard much to get much has more of avarice than wisdom.
Truth never lost ground by enquiry.
Clear therefore thy head, and rally, and manage thy thoughts rightly, and thou wilt save time, and see and do thy business well; for thy judgment will be distinct, thy mind free, and the faculties strong and regular.
Five things are requisite to a good officer – ability, clean hands, despatch, patience, and impartiality.
There is nothing of which we are apt to be so lavish as of time, and about which we ought to be more solicitous; since without it we can do nothing in this world.
Content not thyself that thou art virtuous in the general; for one link being wanting, the chain is defective.
Naked Truth needs no shift.
The usefullest truths are plainest; and while we keep to them, our differences cannot rise high.
Were the superfluities of a nation valued, and made a perpetual tax or benevolence, there would be more alms-houses than poor, schools than scholars, and enough to spare for government besides.
If thou wouldst conquer thy weakness, thou must never gratify it. No man is compelled to evil: his consent only makes it his. It is no sin to be tempted, but to be overcome.