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

Competition of praise inclineth to a reverence of antiquity. For men contend with the living, not with the dead.

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.

A wise man should so write (though in words understood by all men) that wise men only should be able to commend him.

Religions are like pills, which must be swallowed whole without chewing.

Thoughts are to the Desires as Scouts and Spies, to range abroad, and find the way to the things Desired.

For there are very few so foolish who would not rather govern themselves than be governed by others.