Diseases crucify the soul of man, attenuate our bodies, dry them, wither them, rivel them up like old apples, make them as so many Anatomies.

No one seriously doubts Socrates' maxim: The unexamined life isn't worth living. Self-assessment and attempts at self-improvement are essential aspects of "the good life." Yes, we should engage in ruthless self-reflection and harsh scrutiny, but we should simultaneously acknowledge that such introspection will, at best, only result in a partial view of our minds at work. Complete objectivity is not an option.

Our mental limitations prevent us from accepting our mental limitations.

Temperance is a bridle of gold; he, who uses it rightly, is more like a god than a man.

Good science requires distinguishing between "felt knowledge" and knowledge arising out of testable observations. "I am sure" is a mental sensation, not a testable conclusion. Put hunches, gut feelings, and intuitions into the suggestion box. Let empiric methods shake out the good from bad suggestions.

Hope and patience are two sovereign remedies for all, the surest reposals, the softest cushions to lean on in adversity.

Every schoolboy hath that famous testament of Grunnius Corocotta Porcellus at his fingers end.