As states subsist in part by keeping their weaknesses from being know… — John Donne

As states subsist in part by keeping their weaknesses from being known, so is it the quiet of families to have their chancery and their parliament within doors, and to compose and determine all emergent differences there.

John DonnePoet · British · d. 1631

More from John Donne

All men are children, and of one family. The same tale sends them all to bed, and wakes them in the morning. — Henry David Thoreau
Fathers should be neither seen nor heard. That is the only proper basis for family life. — Oscar Wilde
There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state. — Michel de Montaigne
When one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language. — John Donne
Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clime, nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time. — John Donne
As virtuous men pass mildly away, and whisper to their souls to go, whilst some of their sad friends do say, the breath goes now, and some say no. — John Donne