Miscellaneous Thoughts
AND
REFLECTIONS.
Of Advice and Correction.
The Rule of doing as we would be done by, is never less observed than it is in telling others their Faults. But Men intend more to shew others that they are free from the Fault, than to dissuade them from committing it.
They are so pleased with the prudent Shape of an Adviser, that it raiseth the value they have of themselves, whilst they are about it.
Certainly, to give Advice to a Friend, either asked or unasked, is so far from a Fault, that it is a Duty; but if a Man love to give Advice, it is a sure sign that he himself wanteth it.
A Man whilst he is advising putteth his Understanding upon Tiptoes, and is unwilling to bring it down again.
A weak Man had rather be thought to know, than know, and that maketh him so impatient to be told of a Mistake.
He who will not be the better for other Mens Faults, hath no cure left for his own.
But he that can probe himself to cure his own Faults, will seldom need either the Surgery of his Friends or of his Enemies.