A man is never alone, not only because he is with himself and his own thoughts, but because he is with the Devil, who ever consorts with our solitude.
Thomas BrowneThink not thy time short in this world, since the world itself is not long. The created world is but a small parenthesis in eternity, and a short interposition, for a time, between such a state of duration as was before it and may be after it.
Thomas BrowneI believe the world grows near its end, yet is neither old nor decayed, nor will ever perish upon the ruins of its own principles.
Thomas BrowneIf riches increase, let thy mind hold pace with them; and think it not enough to be liberal, but munificent.
Thomas BrowneHe is like to be mistaken who makes choice of a covetous man for a friend, or relieth upon the reed of narrow and poltroon friendship. Pitiful things are only to be found in the cottages of such breasts; but bright thoughts, clear deeds, constancy, fidelity, bounty and generous honesty are the gems of noble minds, wherein (to derogate from none) the true, heroic English gentleman hath no peer.
Thomas Browne