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Fools pretend to foretell what will be the issue of things, and are laughed at for their awkward conjectures. Wise men being aware of the uncertainty of human aflairs, and having observed how small a matter often produces a great change, are modest in their conjectures.

— James Burgh The Dignity of Human Nature (1754)

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More quotes by James Burgh

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.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: James Burgh (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.