William Penn quotes

William Penn was a prominent figure in American history, recognized as the founder of Pennsylvania. Born in 1644, Penn championed religious freedom and played a crucial role in the establishment of this colony as a safe haven for Quakers. With his peaceful demeanor and desire for justice, Penn's legacy endures today. Discover more about William Penn's inspiring life and contributions to the United States.

We pass through this world but once, so do now any good you can do, and show now any kindness you can show, for we shall not pass this way again.

- William Penn

True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.

- William Penn

Knowledge is the treasure of a wise man.

- William Penn

True godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it.

- William Penn

Truth often suffers more by the heat of its defenders than the arguments of its opposers.

- William Penn

For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.

- William Penn

O Lord, help me not to despise or oppose what I do not understand.

- William Penn

Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains.

- William Penn

Humility and knowledge in poor clothes excel pride and ignorance in costly attire.

- William Penn

Force may make hypocrites, but it can never make converts.

- William Penn

Only trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee.

- William Penn

Between a man and his wife nothing ought to rule but love. Authority is for children and servants, yet not without sweetness.

- William Penn

Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.

- William Penn

Less judgment than wit is more sail than ballast.

- William Penn

He who is taught to live upon little owes more to his father's wisdom than he who has a great deal left him does to his father's care.

- William Penn

Much reading is an oppression of the mind, and extinguishes the natural candle, which is the reason of so many senseless scholars in the world.

- William Penn

In marriage do thou be wise: prefer the person before money, virtue before beauty, the mind before the body; then thou hast a wife, a friend, a companion, a second self.

- William Penn

True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.

- William Penn

Kings in this world should imitate God, their mercy should be above their works.

- William Penn

A good End cannot sanctify evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it.

- William Penn

To be like Christ is to be a Christian.

- William Penn

It would be far better to be of no church than to be bitter of any.

- William Penn

Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.

- William Penn

They have a right to censure that have a heart to help.

- William Penn

The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.

- William Penn

Justice is the insurance which we have on our lives and property. Obedience is the premium which we pay for it.

- William Penn

Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.

- William Penn

Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.

- William Penn

Let the people think they govern and they will be governed.

- William Penn

Some are so very studious of learning what was done by the ancients that they know not how to live with the moderns.

- William Penn