James Burgh quotes

No kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave. He, who has nothing, and who himself belongs to another, must be defended by him, whose property he is, and needs no arms. But he, who thinks he is his own master, and has what he can call his own, ought to have arms to defend himself, and what he possesses; else he lives precariously, and at discretion. (James Burgh)
In disputes upon moral or scientific points, ever let your aim be to come at truth, not to conquer your opponent. So you never shall be at a loss in losing the argument, and gaining a new discovery. View quote
James Burgh
If you have a friend that will reprove your faults and foibles, consider you enjoy a blessing which the king upon the throne cannot have. View quote
James Burgh
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. View quote
James Burgh
What may be very entertaining in company with ignorant people may be tiresome to those who know more of the matter. View quote
James Burgh
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. View quote
James Burgh
Do well, but do not boast of it; for that will lessen the commendation you might otherwise have deserved. View quote
James Burgh
The beauty of behaviour consists in the manner more than the matter of your discourse. View quote
James Burgh
If you want to gain any man's good opinion, take particular care how you behave the first time you are in company with him; the light you appear in at first, to one who is neither inclinable to think well nor ill of you, will strongly prejudice him either for or against you. View quote
James Burgh
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. View quote
James Burgh
Never offer advice but where there is some probability ef its being followed. (James Burgh)
Learning is like bank-notes: prudence and good behaviour are like silver, useful upon all occasions. View quote
James Burgh
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. View quote
James Burgh
Love your fellow creature, though vicious. Hate vice in the friend you love the most. View quote
James Burgh
Deep learning will make you acceptable to the learned; but it is only an obliging and easy behaviour, and entertaining conversation, that will make you agreeable to all companies. View quote
James Burgh
Never fish for praise; it is not worth the bait. View quote
James Burgh
I considered, that history is the inexhaustible mine, out of which political knowledge is to be brought up. View quote
James Burgh
The modest man is seldom the object of envy. View quote
James Burgh
Reproof is a medicine like mercury or opium; if it be improperly administered it will do harm instead of good. View quote
James Burgh
He who knows the world will not be too bashful. He who knows himself will not be impudent. View quote
James Burgh
To offer advice to an angry man, is like blowing against a tempest. (James Burgh)
If you happen into company where the talk runs into party, obscemty, scandal, folly, or vice of any kind, you had better pass for morose or unsocial, among people whose good opinion is not worth having, than shock your own conscience by joining in conversation which you must disapprove of. View quote
James Burgh
Too much company is worse than none. View quote
James Burgh
There is an affected humility more unsufferable than downright pride, as hypocrisy is more abominable than libertimsm. Take care that your virtues be genuine and unsophisticated. View quote
James Burgh
Be sure of the fact before you lose time in searching for a cause. View quote
James Burgh