James Burgh Quotes

Men repent speaking ten times, for once that they repent keeping silence. It is an advantage to have concealed one's opinion; for by that means you may change your judgment of things (which every wise man fmds reason to do) and not be accused of fickleness.

If you give a jest, take one. Let all your jokes be truly jokes. Jesting sometimes ends in sad earnest.

In the midst of mirth, reflect that many of your fellow creatures round the world are expiring; and that your turn will come shortly. So will you keep your life uniform and free from excess.

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.

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.

Do not endeavour to shine in all companies. Leave room for your hearers to imagine something within you beyond all you have said. And remember, the more you are praised, the more you will be envied.

If you would have a right to account of things from illiterate people, let them tell their story in their own way; if you put them upon talking according to logical rules, you will confound them.

I considered, that history is the inexhaustible mine, out of which political knowledge is to be brought up.

Insult not another for his want of a talent you possess: He may have others which you want.

Too much company is worse than none.

Never offer advice but where there is some probability of its being followed.

Praise your friends, and let your friends praise you.

In disputes upon moral or scientific points, ever let your aim be to come at truth, not to conquer your opponent: so you never shall be at a loss in losing the argument, and gaining a new discovery.

He who knows the world will not be too bashful. He who knows himself will not be impudent.

Learning is like bank-notes: prudence and good behaviour are like silver, useful upon all occasions.