Money is like muck, not good unless spread.
The universe must not be narrowed down to the limit of our understanding, but our understanding must be stretched and enlarged to take in the image of the universe as it is discovered.
The human understanding, from its peculiar nature, easily supposes a greater degree of order and equality in things than it really finds.
Revenge is a kind of wild justice.
But by far the greatest obstacle to the progress of science and to the undertaking of new tasks and provinces therein is found in this-that men despair and think things impossible.
Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.
When a traveler returneth home, let him not leave the countries where he hath traveled altogether behind him.
To spend too much time in studies is sloth.
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.