quotations about example
Example is far more than precept. It is instruction in action.
SAMUEL SMILES
Happy Homes and Hearts that Make Them
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
MARK TWAIN
The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson
What the world wants is good examples, not so much advice; advice may be wrong, but examples prove themselves.
H. W. SHAW
attributed, Day's Collacon
Decapitate
Example be made
JUDAS PRIEST
"Decapitate"
Though "the words of the wise be as nails fastened by the masters of the assemblies," yet sure their examples are the hammer to drive them in to take the deeper hold.
THOMAS FULLER
The Holy and Profane States
For, now it may be said, I build with good reason, since I follow your example.
PLINY THE YOUNGER
letter to Voconius Romanus, The Letters of Pliny the Younger
There are bad examples which are worse than crimes; and more states have perished from the violation of morality than from the violation of law.
MONTESQUIEU
Montesquieu's Considerations of the Causes of the Grandeur and Decadence of the Romans
Men think they may justly do that for which they have a precedent.
CICERO
Epistles
Since truth and constancy are vain,
Since neither love, nor sense of pain,
Nor force of reason, can persuade,
Then let example be obey'd.
GEORGE GRANVILLE
To Myra
Example moves more than homily, though it be less clamorous.
ELIZA COOK
Diamond Dust
We ought to give good examples to our children, because if they see no uncomeliness, they shall be forced to follow goodness and virtue.
XENOPHON
attributed, Day's Collacon
Much more profitable and gracious is doctrine by example than by rule.
E. SPENSER
attributed, Day's Collacon
The best teachers of humanity are the lives of great men.
CHARLES HENRY FOWLER
attributed, Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers
Example is one of the most potent instructors, though it teaches without a tongue; it is the practical school of mankind, working by action, which is always more forcible than words. Precept may point us the way, but it is silent, continuous example, conveyed to us by habits, and living with us in fact, that carries us along.
SMILES
attributed, Day's Collacon
A bad example is the best sermon.
AMERICAN PROVERB
Nothing is so contagious as example; never was there any considerable good or ill done, that did not produce its like.
ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Reflections
Yes, we need to make examples. But examples to follow. What we need ... are heroes.
JEAN-JACQUES ANNAUD & ALAIN GODARD
Enemy at the Gates
Example is more forcible than precept; people look at my six days in the week, to see what I mean on the seventh.
LORD BURLEIGH
attributed, Day's Collacon
To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself once in a while.
JOSH BILLINGS
Josh Billings' Farmers Allminax for the Year 1871
If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
letter to Harrison Blake, Mar. 27, 1848