People are more afraid of the laws of Man than of God, because their punishment seems to be nearest.

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The wisdom of nations lies in their proverbs, which are brief and pithy. Collect and learn them; they are notable measures of directions for human life; you have much in little; they save time in speaking; and upon occasion may be the fullest and safest answer.

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Silence is Wisdom where Speaking is Folly.

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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.

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Men are generally more careful of the breed of their horses and dogs than of their children.

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We are inclined to call things by the wrong names. We call prosperity 'happiness', and adversity 'misery' eventhough adversity is the school of wisdom and often the way to eternal happiness.

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Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them they are ruined too. Wherefore governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavour to warp and spoil it to their turn.

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In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.

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In marriage do thou be wise: prefer the person before money, virtue before beauty, the mind before the body; then thou hast a wife, a friend, a companion, a second self.

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No people can be truly happy... if abridged of the freedom of their consciences

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