There is none made so great, but he may both need the help and service, and stand in fear of the power and unkindness, even of the meanest of mortals.

A physician is not angry at the intemperance of a mad patient, nor does he take it ill to be railed at by a man in fever. Just so should a wise man treat all mankind, as a physician does his patient, and look upon them only as sick and extravagant.

No work is of such merit as to instruct from a mere cursory perusal.

If you don't know, ask. You will be a fool for the moment, but a wise man for the rest of your life.

Such as the chain of causes we call Fate, such is the chain of wishes: one links on to another; the whole man is bound in the chain of wishing for ever.

A hungry people listens not to reason, not cares for justice, nor is bent by any prayers.

There is nothing that Nature has made necessary which is more easy than death; we are longer a-coming into the world than going out of it; and there is not any minute of our lives wherein we may not reasonably expect it. Nay, it is but a momen'ts work, the parting of soul and body. What a shame is it then to stand in fear of anything so long that is over so soon!