William Penn. (1644–1718). Fruits of Solitude.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
Rules of Conversation
128. Avoid Company where it is not profitable or necessary; and in those Occasions speak little, and last.
129. Silence is Wisdom, where Speaking is Folly; and always safe.
130. Some are so Foolish as to interrupt and anticipate those that speak, instead of hearing and thinking before they answer; which is uncivil as well as silly.
131. If thou thinkest twice, before thou speakest once, thou wilt speak twice the better for it.
132. Better say nothing than not to the Purpose. And to speak pertinently, consider both what is fit, and when it is fit to speak.
133. In all Debates, let Truth be thy Aim, not Victory, or an unjust Interest: And endeavor to gain, rather than to expose thy Antagonist.
134. Give no Advantage in Argument, nor lose any that is offered. This is a Benefit which arises from Temper.
135. Don’t use thy self to dispute against thine own Judgment, to shew Wit, lest it prepare thee to be too indifferent about what is Right: Nor against another Man, to vex him, or for mere Trial of Skill; since to inform, or to be informed, ought to be the End of all Conferences.
136. Men are too apt to be concerned for their Credit, more than for the Cause.