44 quotes
Do not think of knocking out another person's brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from yourself ten years ago.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave.
Political Disquisitions (1774)
All lawful authority, legislative, and executive, originates from the people. Power in the people is like light in the sun: native, original, inherent, and unlimited by anything human.
Political Disquisitions (1774)
You need not tell all the truth, unless to those who have a right to know it all. But let all you tell be truth.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
If you would not have affliction visit you twice, listen at once, and attentively, to what it teaches.
He who knows the world will not be too bashful. He who knows himself will not be impudent.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
Be sure of the fact before you lose time in searching for a cause.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
I considered, that history is the inexhaustible mine, out of which political knowledge is to be brought up.
Political Disquisitions (1774)
Learning is like bank-notes: prudence and good behaviour are like silver, useful upon all occasions.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
Reproof is a medicine like mercury or opium; if it be improperly administered it will do harm instead of good.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
What may be very entertaining in company with ignorant people may be tiresome to those who know more of the matter.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
Never offer advice but where there is some probability of its being followed.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
To offer advice to an angry man, is like blowing against a tempest.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
Never fish for praise; it is not worth the bait.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
The modest man is seldom the object of envy.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
Nothing is more unmannerly than to reflect on any man's profession, sect, or natural infirmity. He who stirs up against himself another's self-love, provokes the strongest passion in human nature.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
Do well, but do not boast of it; for that will lessen the commendation you might otherwise have deserved.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
Insult not another for his want of a talent you possess: He may have others which you want.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
The beauty of behaviour consists in the manner more than the matter of your discourse.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)
If you have a friend that will reprove your faults and foibles, consider you enjoy a blessing which the king upon the throne cannot have.
The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)