But we may go further, and affirm most truly, that it is a mere and miserable solitude to want true friends; without which the world is but a wilderness.

The human understanding, from its peculiar nature, easily supposes a greater degree of order and equality in things than it really finds.

The cause and root of nearly all evils in the sciences is this-that while we falsely admire and extol the powers of the human mind we neglect to seek for its true helps.

There ought to be gardens for all months in the year, in which, severally, things of beauty may be then in season.

As you work, the mood grows on you. There are certain images which suddenly get hold of me and I really want to do them. But it's true to say that the excitement and possibilities are in the working and obviously can only come in the working.

Whence we see spiders, flies, or ants entombed and preserved forever in amber, a more than royal tomb.

This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.