The most valuable discoveries have found their origin in the most trivial accidents.
Why is it that we entertain the belief that for every purpose odd numbers are the most effectual?
As touching peaches in general, the very name in Latine whereby they are called Persica, doth evidently show that they were brought out of Persia first.
It is a maxim universally agreed upon in agriculture, that nothing must be done too late; and again, that everything must be done at its proper season; while there is a third precept which reminds us that opportunities lost can never be regained.
Cincinnatus was ploughing his four jugera of land upon the Vaticanian Hill, the same that are still known as the Quintian Meadows, when the messenger brought him the dictatorship, finding him, the tradition says, stripped to the work.
Many dishes bring many diseases.
A god cannot procure death for himself, even if he wished it, which, so numerous are the evils of life, has been granted to man as our chief good.
This only is certain, that there is nothing certain.
There is alas no law against incompetency; no striking example is made. They learn by our bodily jeopardy and make experiments until the death of the patients, and the doctor is the only person not punished for murder.
Now, that the sovereign power and deity, whatsoever it is, should have regard of mankind, is a toy and vanity worthy to be laughed at.
Hope is a working-man’s dream.
And that all seas are made calme and still with oile; and therefore the Divers under the water doe spirt and sprinkle it abroad with their mouthes because it dulceth and allaieth the unpleasant nature thereof, and carrieth a light with it.
War should neither be feared nor provoked.
Example is the softest and least invidious way of commanding.
We live by reposing trust in each other.
It is ridiculous to suppose that the great head of things, whatever it be, pays any regard to human affairs.
The desire to know a thing is heightened by its gratification being deferred.
Let that which is wanting in income be supplied by economy.
In time of sickness the soul collects itself anew.
A short death is the sovereign good hap of human life.
Sure, football is a silly game. But have you seen what else is on television?