And surely, he that hath taken the true Altitude of Things, and rightly calculated the degenerate state of this Age, is not like to envy those that shall live in the next, much less three or four hundred Years hence, when no Man can comfortably imagine what Face this World will carry.
Thomas BrowneA 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 BrowneI would not live over my hours past ... not unto Cicero's ground because I have lived them well, but for fear I should live them worse.
Thomas BrowneThere is surely a piece of divinity in us, something was before the elements, and owes no homage unto the sun.
Thomas BrowneBe deaf unto the suggestions of tale-bearers, calumniators, pick-thank or malevolent detractors, who, while quiet men sleep, sowing the tares of discord and division, distract the tranquillity of charity and all friendly society. These are the tongues that set the world on fire--cankerers of reputation, and, like that of Jonah's gourd, wither a good name in a single night.
Thomas Browne