Quote#Self
Do not think of knocking out another person's brains because he…
Quote byJames Burgh · 1714–1775
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Dignity of Human Nature (1754), Variant in other editions: Do not think of knocking out another person's brains, because he differs in opinion from you; it will be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from what you thought ten years ago..
English (original)
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.
— James Burgh
More from James Burgh
Insult not another for his want of a talent you possess: He may have others which you want.
Praise your friends, and let your friends praise you.
He who knows the world will not be too bashful. He who knows himself will not be impudent.
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 mean to make your side of the argument appear plausible, do not prejudice the people against what you think truth by your passionate manner of defending it.
If you give a jest, take one. Let all your jokes be truly jokes. Jesting sometimes ends in sad earnest.