Man seeketh in society comfort, use and protection.

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

If I go to the National Gallery and I look at one of the great paintings that excite me there, it's not so much the painting that excites me as that the painting unlocks all kinds of valves of sensation within me which return me to life more violently.

Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.

Money is like muck, not good unless spread.

Philosophers make imaginary laws for imaginary commonwealths, and their discourses are as the stars, which give little light because they are so high.

A man must make his opportunity, as oft as find it.