These precepts were first collected as advice for Fuller's son John.
Compare Poor Richard's Almanack (1751) : Many a Man would have been worse, if his Estate had been better.
Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)

“1675. God help the Rich; the Poor can beg.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“1943. If thou canst not find Tranquility in thyself; 'twill be to little Purpose to seek it anywhere else.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)

“1536. Fine Cloaths wear soonest out of Fashion.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“2826. Provoke not even a patient Man too far; extreme Sufferance when it comes to dissolve, breaks out into the most severe Revenge; for taking Fire at last, Anger and Fury being combined into one, discharge their utmost Force at the first Blast. Irarumque omnes effundit habenas.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Latin fragment from Vergil's Aeneid, Book XII, line 499 : ‘He threw away all restraint on his anger.’
Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)

“2463. If thou canst but live free from Debt and Want, 'tis not absolutely necessary to care for more : for all the rest, truly speaking, is but Vanity, and for the most part Vexation too.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)

“2759. If you have no Enemies, it’s a sign Fortune has forgot you.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“3064. Be not always hot, and hasty in managing thy Affairs. Prudent Pauses forward Business : There is sometimes more Skill shewed by a Physician in not Prescribing, than in Prescribing. And there is no better Remedy for some Diseases, than to let them alone : for unseasonable meddling with them, may hinder their proceeding to a Crisis, and at long Run they will mend of themselves.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)

“4002. Rashness is not Valour.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“3358. Many talk like Philosophers, and live like Fools.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“3367. Many would have been worse, if their Estates had been better.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Compare Poor Richard's Almanack (1751) : Many a Man would have been worse, if his Estate had been better.
Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“4912. There is no Man so bad, but has a secret Respect for the good.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Compare Poor Richard's Almanack (1747) : There is no Man so bad, but he secretly respects the good.
Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“1154. Content is the Philosopher’s Stone, that turns all it touches into Gold.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Compare Poor Richard's Almanack (1758) : Content is the Philosopher’s Stone, that turns all it touches into Gold.
Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“5291. Trust thy self only, and another shall not betray thee.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)

“3340. Many can bear Adversity, but few Contempt.”

Thomas Fuller (writer)

Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727), Gnomologia (1732)