We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do.

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

Since custom is the principal magistrate of man's life, let men by all means endeavor to obtain good customs.

The sun, though it passes through dirty places, yet remains as pure as before.

Money is a great servant but a bad master.

Another error is an impatience of doubt and haste to assertion without due and mature suspension of judgment. For the two ways of contemplation are not unlike the two ways of action commonly spoken of by the ancients; the one plain and smooth in the beginning, and in the end impassable; the other rough and troublesome in the entrance, but after a while fair and even. So it is in contemplation; if a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.

Some men covet knowledge out of a natural curiosity and inquisitive temper; some to entertain the mind with variety and delight; some for ornament and reputation; some for victory and contention; many for lucre and a livelihood; and but few for employing the Divine gift of reason to the use and benefit of mankind.