It is an absolute perfection and virtually divine to know how to enjoy our being rightfully.

Those who make a practice of comparing human actions are never so perplexed as when they try to see them as a whole and in the same light; for they commonly contradict each other so strangely that it seems impossible that they have come from the same shop.

Custom is a second nature, and no less powerful.

I am further of opinion that it would be better for us to have [no laws] at all than to have them in so prodigious numbers as we have.

As by some might be saide of me: that here I have but gathered a nosegay of strange floures, and have put nothing of mine unto it, but the thred to binde them. Certes, I have given unto publike opinion, that these borrowed ornaments accompany me; but I meane not they should cover or hide me.

Lying is a terrible vice, it testifies that one despises God, but fears men.

No-one is exempt from speaking nonsense – the only misfortune is to do it solemnly.