There is in man's nature a secret inclination and motion towards love of others, which, if it be not spent upon some one or a few, doth naturally spread itself towards many, and maketh men become humane and charitable, as it is seen sometimes in friars. Nuptial love maketh mankind, friendly love perfecteth it, but wanton love corrupteth and embaseth it.

Custom is the principle magistrate of man's life.

Nothing is pleasant that is not spiced with variety.

There is a wisdom in this beyond the rules of physic: a man's own observation what he finds good of and what he finds hurt of is the best physic to preserve health.

The divisions of science are not like different lines that meet in one angle, but rather like the branches of trees that join in one trunk.

The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge in excess caused man to fall: but in charity there is no excess; neither can angel nor man come in danger by it.

Certainly the best works, and of greatest merit for the public, have proceeded from the unmarried, or childless men.