Regency Culture and Society: 10 Maxims for Life by a Lady

More life lessons fromย A Treatise on Politeness, etcย (1813).ย  The next ten are below.ย  If you are catching up, we presented theย first 10 Maxims here. And theย next 11 here. Andย another 1o here,ย here,ย here,ย here, here and here.

82 When a man is never talked of it is a sign he has no virtue nor no merit those who do not distinguish themselves by their good qualities excite no envy should you do so be not grieved at it it is a good sign 83 You will live happily on whatever wealth you have provided you do not wish for This wealth is a clear stream which flows agreeably its nature will change if you increase its waters to a torrent more 84 Never begin to speak without knowing what you intend to say and why you wish it words are arrows and should not be carelessly levelled to say
85 If you are churlish vain or passionate your house will be a solitary desert if you are irregular in your way of living all rational persons will avoid you and you will have no society but libertines 5 86 Reflect seriously and frequently on what you have been and what you are to be two or three serious reflections on this subject will be of more use to you than a thousand upon any other 87 To be discontented with what we are and what we have is an insolent arraignment of the providence of God 88 Riches are bestowed for the comfort of life but life is not given to amass riches
39 Let decency regulate your pleasures you will then enjoy them without fear or regret 90 Endeavour to recover in age what you have lost in youth and if you have gone astray in the early part of life take a good guide for the latter part 91 How brilliant soever an action may be it cannot be called a great action unless it is the effect of a great design


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