GS

George Savile

41quotes

George Savile: A Life of Wit and Wisdom


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax, commonly known as the Marquess of Halifax, was a prominent English statesman, writer, and philosopher.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born in 1633 at Holywell House, Northamptonshire, England, George Savile passed away on April 5, 1695, at the age of 62.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Halifax was an Englishman by birth and a statesman by profession. He served as a prominent figure in various government positions, including Lord Privy Seal and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Early Life and Background


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George Savile was born into a noble family and educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. His early life was marked by a strong interest in literature, philosophy, and politics. Halifax's father, William Savile, 2nd Earl of Scarborough, had significant influence on his son's education and future career.

Major Accomplishments


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Halifax played a crucial role in shaping English politics during the late 17th century. Some of his notable achievements include:

Promoting Religious Tolerance: Halifax was a strong advocate for religious freedom and tolerance, often finding himself at odds with the more conservative elements of the Church of England.
 Negotiating Peace Treaties: He played a key role in negotiating several peace treaties, including the Treaty of Westminster (1654) between England and Spain.
Advancing Constitutional Reform: Halifax was an early proponent of constitutional reform and helped to establish the precedent for parliamentary supremacy.

Notable Works or Actions


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Halifax's literary legacy is substantial, with notable works including:

"A Character of King Charles II" (1683): This anonymous pamphlet, later attributed to Halifax, provides a candid assessment of King Charles II's reign and policies.
* "The Life of George Savile, Marquis of Halifax" (1716): Written by his son, this biography offers valuable insights into the life and career of the Marquess.

Impact and Legacy


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George Savile's impact on English politics and society is profound. His commitment to constitutional reform, religious tolerance, and peace negotiations has inspired generations of statesmen and thinkers. Halifax's legacy extends beyond his own time and place, continuing to influence contemporary debates about governance, morality, and individual rights.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Halifax is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on politics, religion, and philosophy. His commitment to reason, tolerance, and reform has made him a respected figure in the history of English thought.

Quotes by George Savile

Nothing would more contribute to make a man wise than to have always an enemy in his view.
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Nothing would more contribute to make a man wise than to have always an enemy in his view.
GS
Laws are generally not understood by three sorts of persons, viz, by those who make them, by those who execute them, and by those who suffer if they break them.
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Laws are generally not understood by three sorts of persons, viz, by those who make them, by those who execute them, and by those who suffer if they break them.
GS
If the laws could speak for themselves, they would complain of the lawyers.
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If the laws could speak for themselves, they would complain of the lawyers.
GS
He that leaveth nothing to chance will do few things ill, but he will do very few things.
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He that leaveth nothing to chance will do few things ill, but he will do very few things.
GS
Education is what remains when we have forgotten all that we have been taught.
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Education is what remains when we have forgotten all that we have been taught.
GS
The vanity of teaching doth oft tempt a man to forget that he is a blockhead.
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The vanity of teaching doth oft tempt a man to forget that he is a blockhead.
GS
A man man may dwell so long upon a thought that it may take him prisoner.
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A man man may dwell so long upon a thought that it may take him prisoner.
GS
No man is so much a fool as not to have wit enough sometimes to be a knave; nor any so cunning a knave as not to have the weakness sometimes to play the fool.
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No man is so much a fool as not to have wit enough sometimes to be a knave; nor any so cunning a knave as not to have the weakness sometimes to play the fool.
GS
A husband without faults is a dangerous observer.
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A husband without faults is a dangerous observer.
GS
Men are not hanged for stealing horses, but that horses may not be stolen.
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Men are not hanged for stealing horses, but that horses may not be stolen.
GS
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