Part I. Rules of Conversation. William Penn. 1909-14. Fruits of Solitude. The Harvard Classics

William Penn. (1644–1718). Fruits of Solitude.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Part I

Rules of Conversation


128. Avoid Company where it is not profitable or necessary; and in those Occasions speak little, and last.	1
129. Silence is Wisdom, where Speaking is Folly; and always safe.	2
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.	3
131. If thou thinkest twice, before thou speakest once, thou wilt speak twice the better for it.	4
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.	5
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.	6
134. Give no Advantage in Argument, nor lose any that is offered. This is a Benefit which arises from Temper.	7
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.	8
136. Men are too apt to be concerned for their Credit, more than for the Cause.	9