For first of all we must prepare a Natural and Experimental History, sufficient and good; and this is the foundation of all; for we are not to imagine or suppose, but to discover, what nature does or may be made to do.

Upon a given body to generate and superinduce a new nature or new natures is the work and aim of human power. To discover the Form of a given nature, or its true difference, or its causal nature, or fount of its emanation... this is the work and aim of human knowledge.

Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper.

Some artists leave remarkable things which, a 100 years later, don't work at all. I have left my mark; my work is hung in museums, but maybe one day the Tate Gallery or the other museums will banish me to the cellar... you never know.

Men leave their riches either to their kindred or their friends, and moderate portions prosper best in both.

To suffering there is a limit; to fearing, none.

Princes are like heavenly bodies, which cause good or evil times, and which have much veneration, but no rest.