William Penn Quotes


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While all recognize the importance of that critical intellectual skill, few have developed the skill and ability and all of us make errors frequently. Some, however, are and have been better than others.


William Penn
William Penn
  • Born: October 14, 1644
  • Died: July 30, 1718
  • Nationality: English
  • Profession: Nobleman, Writer, Colonial Proprietor Pennsylvania

William Penn was an English writer and religious thinker belonging to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, a North American colony of England. He was an early advocate of democracy and religious freedom, notable for his good relations and successful treaties with the Lenape Native Americans. Under his direction, the city of Philadelphia was planned and developed. Philadelphia was planned out to be grid-like with its streets and be very easy to navigate, unlike London where Penn was from. The streets are named with numbers and tree names. He chose to use the names of trees for the cross streets because Pennsylvania means "Penn's Woods".