Laughter is nothing else but sudden glory arising from some sudden conception of some eminency in ourselves, by comparison with the infirmity of others, or with our own formerly.

Corporations are may lesser commonwealths in the bowels of a greater, like worms in the entrails of a natural man.

For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.

The science which teacheth arts and handicrafts is merely science for the gaining of a living; but the science which teacheth deliverance from worldly existence, is not that the true science?

It is manifest therefore that they who have sovereign power, are immediate rulers of the church under Christ, and all others but subordinate to them. If that were not, but kings should command one thing upon pain of death, and priests another upon pain of damnation, it would be impossible that peace and religion should stand together.

Wisdom, properly so called, is nothing else but this: the perfect knowledge of the truth in all matters whatsoever.

I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death.