James Burgh

If you have seen a man misbehave once, do not from thence conclude him a fool; if you find he has been in a mistake in one particular, do not at once conclude him void of understanding : by that way of judging, you can entertain a …

Do not sit dumb in company; it will be ascribed either to pride, cunning, or stupidity: give your opinion modestly, but freely; hear that of others with candour; and ever endeavour to find out, and to communicate truth.

There is no occasion to trample upon the meanest reptile, nor to sneak to the greatest prince. Insolence and baseness are equally unmanly.

The beauty of behaviour consists in the manner more than the matter of your discourse.

Value truth, however you come by it. Who would not pick up a jewel that lay on a dunghill?

Make your company a rarity, and people will value it. Men despise what they can easily have.

To offer advice to an angry man, is like blowing against a tempest.

Do well, but do not boast of it; for that will lessen the commendation you might otherwise have deserved.

Never fish for praise; it is not worth the bait.

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, …

If a great person has omitted rewarding your services, do not talk of it; perhaps he may not yet have had an opportunity, for they have always on hand expectants innumerable, and the clamorous are too generally gratified before the …

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

Be careful of your word, even in keeping the most trifling appointment. But do not blame another for a failure of that kind till you have heard his excuse.

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.

Reproof is a medicine like mercury or opium; if it be improperly administered it will do harm instead of good.

Love your fellow creature, though vicious. Hate vice in the friend you love the most.

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 a favour is asked of you, grant it if you can. If not, refuse it in such a manner as that one denial may be sufficient.

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

Praise your friends, and let your friends praise you.

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

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.

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