William Penn Quotes

The jealous are troublesome to others, but torment to themselves.

Let us then try what love can do to mend a broken world.

Justice is the insurance which we have on our lives and property. Obedience is the premium which we pay for it.

(advice to his children)
Much reading is an oppression of the mind, and extinguishes the natural candle, which is the reason of so many senseless scholars in the world.

Wear none of thine own Chains; but keep free, whilst thou art free.

I will never do this, says one, yet does it: I am resolved to do this, says another; but flags upon second Thoughts: Or does it, tho’ awkwardly, for his Word’s sake: As if it were worse to break his Word, than to do amiss in keeping it.

If men be good, government cannot be bad.

This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.

For death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity.

Between a Man and his Wife nothing ought to rule but Love. Authority is for Children and Servants; yet not without Sweetness.

396. Patience is a Virtue every where; but it shines with great Lustre in the Men of Government.

397. Some are so Proud or Testy, they won't hear what they should redress.

398. Others so weak, they sink or burst under the weight of their Office, though they can lightly run away with the Salary of it.

All Excess is ill: But Drunkenness is of the worst Sort.

Knowledge is the Treasure, but Judgment the Treasurer of a Wise Man.

Never marry but for love; but see that thou lovest what is lovely.

The secret to happiness is counting your blessings while others are adding up their troubles.