Zachary Taylor was the 12th president of the United States, serving from 1849 to 1850. A soldier by profession, he rose to become a major general. He was on this day, November 23 in the year 1784.

Here are some of his words of wisdom to think about.

“Never judge a stranger by his clothes.”

“A strong reputation is like a good bonfire. When you have one kindled it’s easy to keep the flame burning, even if someone comes along and tries to piss on it. But if you fall asleep and neglect it…You’ll wake up with ashes.”

“Let us invoke a continuance of the same protecting care which has led us from small beginnings to the eminence we this day occupy.”

“It would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe.”

“I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish—nothing to serve but my country.”

RELATED: John Adams Quotes