Virtue can have naught to do with ease. . . . It craves a steep and thorny path.

It is commonly seene by experience, that excellent memories do rather accompany weake judgements.

When I was young, beautiful ancient statues were castrated, so that the eye might not be corrupted.... Nothing was gained, unless horses and asses had also been castrated.

Each man calls barbarism whatever is not his own practice; for indeed it seems we have no other test of truth and reason than the example and pattern of the opinions and customs of the country we live in

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.

I seek in the reading of books, only to please myself, by an honest diversion.

No wind favors he who has no destined port.