Of Knowledge, Ignorance, and Error. 1. Great is the hurt that hath chanced by Ignorance. 2. Ignorance is a madness of the Soul; which, while it labours to attain to Truth, is confounded in the knowledge of itself. 3. It is not possible for one man to know all things; yet should each man labour […]
Category: BOOK SUMMARIES
Lesson 10 – Of Liberality, Patience, Use, and Diligence.
Of Liberality, Patience, Use, and Diligence. 1. He that is liberal cannot live amiss. 2. He that speaks truth cannot be ashamed of that he speaks. 3. The lowly man cannot be hated: and he that diligently attends to his business can never repent himself: but brings his works to a good conclusion. 4. He […]
Lesson 9 – Of Power, Honour, Virtue, and Strength.
Of Power, Honour, Virtue, and Strength. 1. Only Virtue attains the Everlasting Blessedness. 2. He is not to be counted strong, that cannot endure labor. 3. It is a sign of a noble and mighty courage to set little by great and mighty things. 4. Virtue is shut up from no man; but is ready […]
Lesson 8 – Of Justice, Laws, Cities, and Governors
Of Justice, Laws, Cities, and Governors 1. Except wise men be made Governors, or Governors be made wise men; Mankind shall never have quiet rest, nor virtue be able to defend herself. 2. The City is well ordered; where ambitious men desire to have no offices. 3. Cities are well governed; when the wicked be […]
Lesson 7 – The use of Proverbs and Adages
The use of Proverbs and Adages 1. Wrath leadeth Shame in a leash. Shame follows on from Wrath. What man considering the end will use himself thereto? 2. He that to his Wrath and Anger is thrall, Over his Wit hath no power at all! What may make a man more ashamed of himself, than […]
Lesson 6 – Of The Precepts of the Wise from the Sages of old.
Of The Precepts of the Wise from the Sages of old. Solon. 1. Worship God! 2. Reverence your father and mother! 3. Help your friends! 4. Hate no man! 5. Maintain truth! 6. Swear not! 7. Obey the laws! 8. Think that which is just! 9. Moderate thine anger! 10. Praise Virtue. 11. Persecute the […]
Lesson 5 – Of Kings, Rulers, and Governors: how they should rule their subjects.
From the wisdom of the sages 1. Kings, Rulers, and Governors, should first rule themselves; and then their subjects. 2. No one is fit to rule who has not first learned to obey. 3. Princes and Rulers should abhor drunkenness, hastiness and covetousness. 4. A king should search the works of his enemies and the […]
Lesson 4 – Of Silence, Speech, and Communication
From the Wisdom of the Sages. 1. Silence and speech are both good, used in good time: but, otherwise used, are both naught. 2. Silence in a woman is a great and a goodly virtue. 3. By silence, the discretion of a man is known: and a fool, keeping Silence, seems to be wise. 4. […]
Lesson 3 – of Riches and Poverty
From the wisdom of the sages. 1. Sufficiency is better in riches, than Abundance. 2. No-one is rich who enjoys not his own goods. 3. Virtue is greater riches than either Silver or Gold. 4. Labour for the Riches that after death profit the Soul! 5. Wisdom is the Treasure wherewith man ought to enrich […]
Lesson 2 – of Counsel and Counselors
1. A wise man ought to take Counsel. 2. It is not possible for an angry man, a drunkard, or he that is in subjection to a woman, to keep close your secrets. 3. He that keeps secret that which he is not required to keep secret is to be trusted. 4. If you cannot […]