The desire of excessive power caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge caused men to fall.

For my name and memory I leave to men's charitable speeches, and to foreign nations and the next ages.

Human knowledge and human power meet in one; for where the cause is not known the effect cannot be produced. Nature to be commanded must be obeyed; and that which in contemplation is as the cause is in operation as the rule.

Truth is a naked and open daylight, that does not show the masques, and mummeries, and triumphs of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle-lights. . . A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure

Who ever is out of patience is out of possession of their soul.

Fashion is only the attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse.

Studies serve for delight, for ornaments, and for ability.