Category: The sayings of the Wise by William Baldwin

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 […]

What is friendship? The sum of it all

Lesson 1 –  Friendship – What is Friendship, the Sum of it all. 1. Friendship is of more value than all worldly things. It is the chiefest virtue, Wisdom only excepted. 2. True and perfect friendship is to make one heart and mind of many hearts and minds. 3. Friendship can only exist between equals. […]