Man is distinguished not only by his reason, but also by this singular passion, from all other animals.

In sum, all actions and habits are to be esteemed good or evil by their causes and usefulness in reference to the commonwealth, and not by their mediocrity, nor by their being commended. For several men praise several customs, and, contrarily, what one calls vice, another calls virtue, as their present affections lead them.

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

A free man is he that, in those things which by his strength and wit he is able to do, is not hindered to do what he has a will to.

If I read as many books as most men do, I would be as dull-witted as they are.

The world is governed by opinion.

He that has most experience [is] so much more prudent than he that is new, as not to be equalled by any advantage of natural and extemporary wit- though many young men think the contrary.