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• It is almost as difficult to make a man unlearn his errors as his knowledge. Mal-information is more hopeless than non-information; for error is always more busy than ignorance. Ignorance is a blank sheet, on which we may write; but error is a scribbled one, on which we must first erase. Ignorance is contented to stand still with her back to the truth; but error is more presumptuous, and proceeds in the same direction. Ignorance has no light, but error follows a false one. The consequence is, that error, when she retraces her footsteps, has further to go, before she can arrive at the truth, than ignorance.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820) #1

• Men will wrangle for religion, write for it, fight for it, die for it; anything but live for it.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820) # 25

• None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them; such persons covet secrets as a spendthrift covets money, for the purpose of circulation.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820) # 40

• When you have nothing to say, say nothing; a weak defense strengthens your opponent, and silence is less injurious than a bad reply.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820), # 183

• Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820), # 217

• It is always safe to learn, even from our enemies, seldom safe to venture to instruct, even our friends.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820), # 286

• Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820), # 322

• Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820), # 324

• If you would be known, and not know, vegetate in a village; If you would know, and not be known, live in a city.
  • Lacon, vol. I (1820), # 334

• The debt which cancels all others.
  • Lacon, vol. II (1822), # 66