Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.

Nothing is to be feared but fear.

It is impossible to love and to be wise.

A bad man is worse when he pretends to be a saint.

I had rather believe all the Fables in the Legend, and the Talmud, and the Alcoran, than that this universal frame is without a Mind.

The creative process is a cocktail of instinct, skill, culture and a highly creative feverishness.

The only hope [of science] ... is in genuine induction.