There were taken apples, and ... closed up in wax. ... After a month's space, the apple inclosed in was was as green and fresh as the first putting in, and the kernals continued white. The cause is, for that all exclusion of open air, which is ever predatory, maintaineth the body in its first freshness and moisture.

I loathe my own face, and I've done self-portraits because I've had nobody else to do.

All artists are vain, they long to be recognized and to leave something to posterity. They want to be loved, and at the same time they want to be free. But nobody is free.

The zeal which begins with hypocrisy must conclude in treachery at first it deceives, at last it betrays

The eye of understanding is like the eye of the sense; for as you may see great objects through small crannies or levels, so you may see great axioms of nature through small and contemptible instances.

Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.

I work for posterity, these things requiring ages for their accomplishment.