Money is like manure, of very little use except it be spread.

It is by discourse that men associate, and words are imposed according to the apprehension of the vulgar. And therefore the ill and unfit choice of words wonderfully obsesses the understanding. Nor do the definitions or explanations wherewith in some things learned men are wont to guard and defend themselves, by any means set the matter right. But words plainly force and overrule the understanding, and throw all into confusion, and lead men away into innumerable and inane controversies and fancies.

The great advantages of simulation and dissimulation are three. First to lay asleep opposition and to surprise. For where a man's intentions are published, it is an alarum to call up all that are against them. The second is to reserve a man's self a fair retreat: for if a man engage himself, by a manifest declaration, he must go through, or take a fall. The third is, the better to discover the mind of another. For to him that opens himself, men will hardly show themselves adverse; but will fair let him go on, and turn their freedom of speech to freedom of thought.

To say that a man lieth, is as much to say, as that he is brave towards God, and a coward towards men.

Painting today is pure intuition and luck and taking advantage of what happens when you splash the stuff down.

Out of monuments, names, words proverbs ...and the like, we do save and recover somewhat from the deluge of time.

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