Men seem neither to understand their riches nor their strength. Of the former they believe greater things than they should; of the latter, less.

First therefore let us seek the dignity of knowledge in the archetype or first platform, which is in the attributes and acts of God, as far as they are revealed to man and may be observed with sobriety; wherein we may not seek it by the name of Learning; for all Learning is Knowledge acquired, and all Knowledge in God is original: and therefore we must look for it by another name, that of Wisdom or Sapience, as the Scriptures call it.

There is nothing more certain in nature than that it is impossible for any body to be utterly annihilated.

I usually accept bribes from both sides so that tainted money can never influence my decision.

Take an arrow, and hold it in flame for the space of ten pulses, and when it cometh forth you shall find those parts of the arrow which were on the outsides of the flame more burned, blacked, and turned almost to coal, whereas the midst of the flame will be as if the fire had scarce touched it. This is an instance of great consequence for the discovery of the nature of flame; and sheweth manifestly, that flame burneth more violently towards the sides than in the midst.

The man who fears no truths has nothing to fear from lies.

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