I do not give you to posterity as a pattern to imitate, but as an
example to deter.

I do not give you to posterity as a pattern to imitate, but as an
example to deter.

If you must hold yourself up to your children as an object lesson, hold yourself up as a warning and read more

If you must hold yourself up to your children as an object lesson, hold yourself up as a warning and not as an example.

A good example has twice the value of good advice

A good example has twice the value of good advice

I'm no model lady. A model's just an imitation of the real thing.

I'm no model lady. A model's just an imitation of the real thing.

I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men . . . in receiving
from the people the sacred trust read more

I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men . . . in receiving
from the people the sacred trust confided to my illustrious
predecessor.

Few things are harder to put up with than a good example.

Few things are harder to put up with than a good example.

Illustrious predecessors.

Illustrious predecessors.

Whence do you derive the power and privilege of a parent, when
you, though an old man, do worse read more

Whence do you derive the power and privilege of a parent, when
you, though an old man, do worse things (than your child)?
[Lat., Unde tibi frontem libertatemque parentis,
Cum facias pejora senex?

Men think they may justly do that for which they have a
precedent.
[Lat., Quod exemplo fit, id read more

Men think they may justly do that for which they have a
precedent.
[Lat., Quod exemplo fit, id etiam jure fieri putant.]