Canons of Conduct
Thomas Jefferson
*Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today.
*Never trouble another with what you can do yourself.
*Never spend your money before you have it.
*Never buy a thing you do not want because it is cheap, it will be dear to you.
*Take care of your cents. Dollars will take care of themselves.
*Pride costs more than hunger, thirst or cold.
*We never repent of eating too little.
*Nothing is troublesome that one does willingly.
*Take things always by the smooth handle.
*Think so as to please, and so let others if you will have no disputes.
*When angry, count to 10 before you speak, if very angry, count to 100.
More than a list of maxims, these canons show Jefferson's high regard for perseverance, moderation, patience and respect for others. Cultivating these virtues, today, may be even harder than in the time of this statesman and scholar, but they are still invaluable guides to the good life.
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