When any of the four pillars of government-religion, justice, counsel, and treasure-are mainly shaken or weakened, men had need to pray for fair weather.
The noblest works and foundations have proceeded from childless men, which have sought to express the images of their minds where those of their bodies have failed.
Envy is ever joined with the comparing of a man’s self; and where there is no comparison, no envy.
It is good discretion not make too much of any man at the first; because one cannot hold out that proportion.
There is in human nature generally more of the fool than of the wise.
The inclination to goodness is imprinted deeply in the nature of man.
All artists are vain, they long to be recognized and to leave something to posterity. They want to be loved, and at the same time they want to be free. But nobody is free.
Even within the most beautiful landscape, in the trees, under the leaves the insects are eating each other; violence is a part of life.
Laws and Institutions Must Go Hand in Hand with the Progress of the Human Mind.
For behavior, men learn it, as they take diseases, one of another.
The study of nature with a view to works is engaged in by the mechanic, the mathematician, the physician, the alchemist, and the magician; but by all as things now are with slight endeavour and scanty success.
They are the best physicians, who being great in learning most incline to the traditions of experience, or being distinguished in practice do not reflect the methods and generalities of art.
Nothing is to be feared but fear itself. Nothing grievous but to yield to grief.
Look to make your course regular, that men may know beforehand what they may expect.
If I sit and daydream, the images rush by like a succession of colored slides.
I have often thought upon death, and I find it the least of all evils.
A man were better relate himself to a statue or picture than to suffer his thoughts to pass in smother.
Innovations, which are the births of time.
The natures and dispositions of men are, not without truth, distinguished from the predominance of the planets.
Crafty men condemn studies; Simple men admire them; And wise men use them: For they teach not their own use: but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation.