The man without a navel still lives in me.

I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.

Natura nihil agit frustra [Nature does nothing in vain] is the only indisputible axiom in philosophy. There are no grotesques in nature; not any thing framed to fill up empty cantons, and unncecessary spaces.

I have tried if I could reach that great resolution . . . to be honest without a thought of Heaven or Hell.

Miserable men commiserate not themselves; bowelless unto others, and merciless unto their own bowels.

If riches increase, let thy mind hold pace with them; and think it not enough to be liberal, but munificent.

Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living: All things fall under this name. The Sun itself is but the dark simulacrum, and the light but the shadow of God.