According to his system, the purpose of philosophy is to free the mind from all incumbrances, and elevate it to the study of immutable truth, and the knowledge of Nature ; and the end of wisdom is, to assimilate the human mind to the divine, which can only be done by the practice of beneficence and truth. This beneficence he extended to all animals, and the better to ensure its practice, he even recommended total abstinence from their flesh. His maxims, from their intrinsic value, and their being arranged in numbers, were called "Golden Verses;" the following are a specimen :
"Do that which you think to be right, whatever the vulgar may think of you ; if you despise their praise, disregard also their censure. Be not intimidated by vain threats ; let them not divert you from your laudable purpose. Let uprightness influence you in all your ac- tions, and be sincere in whatever you say. Do nothing mean in the presence of others, nor in secret ; but let it be your chief law, to respect yourself. It is better that others should respect you, than that they should fear you; for esteem accompanies respect, but fear is attended by hatred. To give a child the best education, send it to live in a well regulated state. Let youth be instructed in the best course of life, and habit will render it the most pleasant. Reproof and correction, are only useful when accompanied with evident marks of the affection of the parent or teacher. Sobriety or temperance is the real strength of mind; for it preserves reason unclouded by passion. No man is free, who has not the command over himself, but submits himself to the tyranny of his passions."
Let not soft slumbers close your eyes,
Before you've recollected thrice
Your train of actions through the day,
And where your thoughts have trac'd their way.
What know I more, that's worth the knowing?
What have I done, that's worth the doing?
What have I sought, that I should shun?
What duly have I left undone?
Or into what new follies run?
