A graceful and pleasing figure is a perpetual letter of recommendation.

For there is a great difference in delivery of the mathematics , which are the most abstracted of knowledges, and policy , which is the most immersed. And howsoever contention hath been moved , touching a uniformity of method in multiformity of matter, yet we see how that opinion, besides the weakness of it, hath been of ill desert towards learning, as that which taketh the way to reduce learning to certain empty and barren generalities; being but the very husks and shells of sciences, all the kernel being forced out and expulsed with the torture and press of the method.

He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator.

No one has yet been found so firm of mind and purpose as resolutely to compel himself to sweep away all theories and common notions, and to apply the understanding, thus made fair and even, to a fresh examination of particulars. Thus it happens that human knowledge, as we have it, is a mere medley and ill-digested mass, made up of much credulity and much accident, and also of the childish notions which we at first imbibed.

Studies serve for delight, for ornaments, and for ability.

Boldness is ever blind, for it sees not dangers and inconveniences whence it is bad in council though good in execution.

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