According to the Dutche prouerbe‥Leuen ende laeten leuen, To liue and to let others liue.
[1622 G. De malynes Ancient Law-Merchant i. xlv.]
Live and let live.
[1641 D. Fergusson Scottish Proverbs (STS) no. 582]
Live and let live, i.e. Do as you would be done by. Let such pennyworths as your Tenants may live under you.
[1678 J. Ray English Proverbs (ed. 2) 170]
He deals very little in physic stuff,‥whereby he can't expect the pothecary to be his friend. You knows, master, one must live and let live, as the saying is.
[1762 Smollett Sir Launcelot Greaves II. xvi.]
Live and let live, as the criminal said to the hangman.
[1843 Surtees Handley Cross II. vii.]
Not that Sari cared two hoots how other people conducted their private lives. Live and let live.
[1979 C. Brand Rose in Darkness iv.]
Live and let live is a pretty good philosophy. If the guy in the next lane isn't buckled up, why not leave him alone?
[2001 Washington Times 30 Aug. A19]
Related to: tolerance
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
