Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (British Statesman)

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (1520–98,) was an English statesman and chief advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. A skilled diplomat and strategist, he shaped Elizabethan policies, ensuring stability amid political and religious upheaval.

Born in Bourne, Lincolnshire, Cecil studied at Stamford School and St. John’s College-Cambridge, earning a reputation for intelligence. He entered government as secretary to the Duke of Somerset under Edward VI, quickly rising in Elizabeth’s court due to his pragmatic approach.

Appointed Elizabeth I’s principal advisor and Secretary of State in 1558, he later served as lord high treasurer 1572–98, overseeing state affairs, foreign policy, and defense. He was instrumental in defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588 and in balancing Catholic-Protestant tensions, shaping the Elizabethan Religious Settlement. He also supported England’s colonial expansion, notably the Virginia colony.

Burghley’s legacy includes Advice to Queen Elizabeth on Foreign Policy (1570,) which offers insight into his political strategies.

More: Wikipedia READ: Works by William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

Be not served with kinsmen, or friends, or men entreated to stay; for they expect much, and do little; nor with such as are amorous, for their heads are intoxicated; and keep rather too few, than one too many.
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley
Topics: Servants

Never trust anybody not of sound religion, for he that is false to God can never be true to man.
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley
Topics: Religion

Trust not any man with thy life, credit, or estate. For it is mere folly for a man to enthrall himself to his friend, as though, occasion being offered, he might not become an enemy.
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley
Topics: Trust

Win hearts, and you have all men’s hands and purses.
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley
Topics: Kindness

A man can buy nothing in the market with gentility.
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley
Topics: Manners

Beware of suretyship for thy best friend. He that payeth another man’s debt seeketh his own decay. But if thou canst not otherwise choose, rather lend thy money thyself upon good bonds, although thou borrow it; so shalt thou secure thyself, and pleasure thy friend.
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley

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