quotations about example
No reproof or denunciation is so potent as the silent influence of a good example.
HOSEA BALLOU
Treasury of Thought
Instruction is good for a child; but example is worth more.
ALEXANDRE DUMAS
Twenty Years After
Whatever is committed from a bad example, is displeasing even to its author.
JUVENAL
attributed, Mental Recreation; or, Select Maxims
They who set an example make a highway. Others follow the example, because it is easier to travel on a highway than over untrodden grounds.
HORACE MANN
Thoughts
Let no one be surprised if, in speaking of entirely new principalities as I shall do, I adduce the highest examples both of prince and of state; because men, walking almost always in paths beaten by others, and following by imitation their deeds, are yet unable to keep entirely to the ways of others or attain to the power of those they imitate. A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savour of it. Let him act like the clever archers who, designing to hit the mark which yet appears too far distant, and knowing the limits to which the strength of their bow attains, take aim much higher than the mark, not to reach by their strength or arrow to so great a height, but to be able with the aid of so high an aim to hit the mark they wish to reach.
NICOLO MACHIAVELLI
The Prince
Example is the softest and least invidious way of commanding.
PLINY
attributed, Day's Collacon
A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example.
JOE DIMAGGIO
Few things are harder to put up with than a good example.
KEN ALSTAD
Savvy Sayin's
Do you ask, then, what will educate your son? Your example will educate him.
ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD
Tales, Poems and Essays
If a man cannot leave such property to his friends as he may wish, he can at least leave a good example.
SENECA
attributed, Day's Collacon
Somebody had to set a bad example
Teach all the prim and propers what not to do
Nobody around here wants to ramble
What the hell, that's what I was born to do
PISTOL ANNIES
"Bad Example", Hell on Heels
Example has more followers than reason.
CHRISTIAN NESTELL BOVEE
Intuitions and Summaries of Thought
Anything that exists can serve as an example, that is, a particularity that stands for or represents a generality, a sort of rule or unit of measurement or calculation (or rather the inaugural moment of that unit of measurement or calculation.) Thus an example is a peculiar sort of rule in that an example is a singularity, also. An example is to be first of many to follow. By that token of uniqueness (it being the first), the example has no match but it does extend a call asking that a match be made in the manner of the measurement which it has inaugurated.
ROBERT CHEATHAM
Anomalous Progagation
A good example is a better legacy for children than wealth or honor.
CHARLES SIMMONS
A Laconic Manual and Brief Remarker
Learn from the example of others what may be to your own advantage.
TERENCE
attributed, Day's Collacon
Example is a dangerous lure: where the wasp got through the gnat sticks fast.
JEAN DE LA FONTAINE
Fables
Whatever parent gives his children good instruction, and sets them at the same time a bad example, may be considered as bringing them food in one hand and poison in the other.
JOHN BALGUY
Sermons
There is a transcendent power in example; we reform others unconsciously when we walk uprightly.
MADAME SWETCHINE
"Airelles", The Writings of Madame Swetchine
He that gives good precepts, and follows them by a bad example, is like a foolish man who should take great pains to kindle a fire, and when it is kindled, throw cold water upon it to quench it.
T. SEEKER
attributed, Day's Collacon
Thus the brave and aspiring life of one man lights a flame in the minds of others of like faculties and impulse; and where there is equally vigorous effort, like distinction and success will almost surely follow. Thus the chain of example is carried down through time in an endless succession of links--admiration exciting imitation, and perpetuating the true aristocracy of genius.
SAMUEL SMILES
Self-Help