Such is the nature of men, that howsoever they may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more learned; yet they will hardly believe there be many so wise as themselves.

Unnecessary laws are not good laws, but traps for money.

The most noble and profitable invention of all other, was that of SPEECH, consisting of Names or Appellations, and their Connexion; whereby men register their Thoughts; recall them when they are past; and also declare them one to another for mutuall utility and conversation; without which, there had been amongst men, neither Commonwealth, nor Society, nor Contract, nor Peace, no more than amongst Lyons, Bears, and Wolves.

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

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

For if all things were equally in all men, nothing would be prized.

Appetite, with an opinion of attaining, is called hope; the same, without such opinion, despair.