Meanings of general maxim in English

Every man who has seen the world knows that nothing is so useless as a general maxim.

This is a liberal observation in respect of Tupia, but it is liable to much objection as a general maxim.

Shall we, then, establish it for a general maxim, that no refined or elaborate reasoning is ever to be received?

Thought, on the other hand, is found where something is proved to be, or not to be, or a general maxim is enunciated.

It is no longer a matter of discussion, who or what administration is; but that administration is to be supported, is a general maxim.

As a general maxim: Whoever shows a desire to please will be certain of having a delicate compliment paid him by every well-bred man.

He did not strike me, but withdrew in a wonderful heat, and ended all with his general maxim, 'The greater scholler, the greater rogue!'

The mutual abolition of discriminating duties and charges upon the navigation and commercial intercourse between the parties is the general maxim which characterizes them all.

Thus it is a general maxim that Government can purchase any article at a cheaper rate than that at which they can manufacture it themselves.

General maxims about husbands and wives seemed now of a precarious usefulness.

No man was better acquainted with general maxims of statecraft.

His whole conduct is regulated according to some general maxims early implanted in his mind.

Like all general maxims, this is only partially true.

In war, something must be risked, and occasions arise which render it necessary to disregard general maxims.

Are these general maxims of no use?

But alas, amongst children, idiots, savages, and the grossly illiterate, what general maxims are to be found?