A much talking judge is an ill-tuned cymbal.

Praise from the common people is generally false, and rather follows the vain than the virtuous.

Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other.

There is another ground of hope that must not be omitted. Let men but think over their infinite expenditure of understanding, time, and means on matters and pursuits of far less use and value; whereof, if but a small part were directed to sound and solid studies, there is no difficulty that might not be overcome.

When a man laughs at his troubles he loses a great many friends. They never forgive the loss of their prerogative.

Man was formed for society.

One of the fathers saith . . . that old men go to death, and death comes to young men.