In fame's temple there is always a niche to be found for rich dunces, importunate scoundrels, or successful butchers of the human race.

Fools with bookish knowledge art children with edged weapons; they hurt themselves, and put others in pain.

Truth lies in a small compass! The Aristotelians say, all truth is contained in Aristotle, in one place or another. Galileo makes Simplicius say so, but shows the absurdity of that speech by answering all truth is contained in a lesser compass, namely, in the alphabet.

Wit, to be well defined, must be defined by wit itself; then it will be worth listening to.

Do not think that your Learning and Genius, your Wit or Sprightliness, are welcome everywhere. I was once told that my Company was disagreeable because I appeared so uncommonly happy.

Contempt is frequently regulated by fashion.

Unless the habit leads to happiness the best habit is to contract none.