Passions unguided are for the most part mere madness.

There is more in Mersenne than in all the universities together.

The errors of definitions multiply themselves according as the reckoning proceeds; and lead men into absurdities, which at last they see but cannot avoid, without reckoning anew from the beginning.

For if I should not believe all that is written by Historians, of the glorious acts of Alexander, or Caesar; I do not think the Ghost of Alexander, or Caesar, had any just cause to be offended; or any body else, but the Historian. If Livy say the Gods made once a Cow speak, and we believe it not; we distrust not God therein, but Livy. So that it is evident, that whatsoever we believe, upon no other reason, then what is drawn from authority of men only, and their writings; whether they be sent from God or not, is Faith in men only.

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

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

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