Every abridgement of a good book is a fool abridged.

It is only certain that there is nothing certain, and that nothing is more miserable or more proud than man.

Painting myself for others, I have painted my inward self with colors clearer than my original ones. I have no more made my book than my book has made me--a book consubstantial with its author, concerned with my own self, an integral part of my life; not concerned with some third-hand, extraneous purpose, like all other books.

All passions that suffer themselves to be relished and digested are but moderate.

The beginnings of all things are weak and tender. We must therefore be clear-sighted in the beginnings, for, as in their budding we discern not the danger, so in their full growth we perceive not the remedy.

No man dies before his hour. The time you leave behind was no more yours, than that which was before your birth, and concerneth you no more.

Tortures are a dangerous invention, and seem to be a test of endurance rather than of truth.