William Penn
William Penn
William Penn24 October 1644 – 30 July 1718) was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, early Quaker and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was an early advocate of democracy and religious freedom, notable for his good relations and successful treaties with the Lenape Native Americans. Under his direction, the city of Philadelphia was planned and developed...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth14 October 1644
CityLondon, England
Some are so very studious of learning what was done by the ancients that they know not how to live with the moderns.
Levity of behavior, always a weakness, is far more unbecoming in a woman than a man.
Force may subdue, but love gains, and he that forgives first wins the laurel.
Let us try what love will do.
I know no religion that destroys courtesy, civility, and kindness.
If thou rise with an Appetite, thou art sure never to sit down without one.
There can be no Friendship where there is no Freedom.
A good end sanctify evil means; not must we ever do evil, that good might come of it. We are ready to retaliate, rather than forgive or gain by love and information . . . Force may subdue, but love gains. And one that forgives first wins the laurel.
The wisdom of nations lies in their proverbs, which are brief and pithy.
I have sometimes thought that people are, in a sort, happy, that nothing can put out of countenance with themselves, though they neither have nor merit other people's.
If thou wouldst conquer thy weakness, thou must never gratify it. No man is compelled to evil: his consent only makes it his. It is no sin to be tempted, but to be overcome.
Kings in this world should imitate God, their mercy should be above their works.
The tallest Trees are most in the Power of the Winds, and Ambitious Men of the Blasts of Fortune.
Content not thyself that thou art virtuous in the general; for one link being wanting, the chain is defective.