16 Precepts

Leave a Comment / By Paul Hughes / May 21, 2016

You have asked me how to pursue learning. I pass this along in response —

Move from the easier to the difficult
Be cautious of speech
Be slower still in frequenting places of talk
Embrace purity of conscience
Pray without ceasing
Love your home and to be there often
Show geniality to all
Pay no heed to others’ affairs
Be not over-familiar with anyone; it breeds contempt and gives occasion to distraction
Never get enmeshed with the sayings and doings of those in the outside world
Most of all avoid vain visits and idle conversation
Never mind who says what or from whom the lesson drops
Remember any true and useful advice uttered; fill your cup
Give an account to yourself of your every thought, word, and action
See that you understand what you hear and don’t leave doubts be
Remember. Walk always in the footsteps of good and holy men

— If you do this all your wildest dreams will come true.

*

The original is known as “16 Precepts for Acquiring the Treasure of Knowledge” and was written (in Latin of course) ostensibly by Saint Thomas Aquinas and to “Brother John” … neither is likely, but the material is sound and for a thought on that see No. 12. This post is edited from the two versions here and here.

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