The partitions of knowledge are not like several lines that meet in one angle, and so touch not in a point; but are like branches of a tree, that meet in a stem, which hath a dimension and quantity of entireness and continuance, before it come to discontinue and break itself into arms and boughs.

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

No artist knows in his own lifetime whether what he does will be the slightest good, because it takes at least seventy-five to a hundred years before the thing begins to sort itself out.

Riches are a good hand maiden, but a poor mistress.

The fortune which nobody sees makes a person happy and unenvied.

Nakedness is uncomely, as well in mind as body, and it addeth no small reverence to men's manners and actions if they be not altogether open. Therefore set it down: That a habit of secrecy is both politic and moral.

But the images of men's wits and knowledges remain in books, exempted from the wrong of time, and capable of perpetual renovation.