William Penn. (1644–1718). Fruits of Solitude.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
Posterity
213. We are too careless of Posterity; not considering that as they are, so the next Generation will be.
214. If we would amend the World, we should mend Our selves; and teach our Children to be, not what we are, but what they should be.
215. We are too apt to awaken and turn up their Passions by the Examples of our own; and to teach them to be pleased, not with what is best, but with what pleases best.
216. It is our Duty, and ought to be our Care, to ward against that Passion in them, which is more especially our Own Weakness and Affliction: For we are in great measure accountable for them, as well as for our selves.
217. We are in this also true Turners of the World upside down; For Money is first, and Virtue last, and least in our care.
218. It is not How we leave our Children, but What we leave them.
219. To be sure Virtue is but a Supplement, and not a Principal in their Portion and Character: And therefore we see so little Wisdom or Goodness among the Rich, in proportion to their Wealth.