William Penn

A wise man makes what he learns his own, the other shows he is but a copy or a collection at most.

There can be no friendship where there is no freedom. Friendship loves a free air, and will not be fenced up in straight and narrow enclosures.

It were endless to dispute upon everything that is disputable.

This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.

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.

Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.

In the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.

The envious person grows lean with the fatness of their neighbor.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

Hatred is the coward’s revenge for being intimidated.

What is peculiar in the life of a man consists not in his obedience, but his opposition, to his instincts. In one direction or another he strives to live a supernatural life.

We have a lot of anxieties, and one cancels out another very often.

I was afraid that by observing objects with my eyes and trying to comprehend them with each of my other senses I might blind my soul altogether.

See one promontory, one mountain, one sea, one river and see all.

Pity is for living, envy is for dead.

No thought, no reflection, no analysis, no cultivation, no intention; let it settle itself.

A jay hasnt got any more principle than a Congressman. A jay will lie, a jay will steal, a jay will deceive, a jay will betray; and four times out of five, a jay will go back on his solemnest promise.

The thought of two thousand people crunching celery at the same time horrified me.

The foolish are like ripples on water, For whatsoever they do is quickly effaced; But the righteous are like carvings upon stone, For their smallest act is durable.

Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.

I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.