“Religion stands on tip-toe in our land, Ready to pass to the American strand.”

— George Herbert, The Church Militant, The Temple (1633), ll. 235-236

About George Herbert

1593 – 1633

Welsh-born English poet and Anglican priest, compiler of the proverb collection 'Jacula Prudentum' (1651).

“Before you make a friend, eat a bushel of salt with him.”

“My house, my house, though thou art small, thou art to me the Escurial.”

“Laugh not too much; the witty man laughs least: for wit is news only to ignorance.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”