I could not be true and constant to the argument I handle, if I were not willing to go beyond others; but yet not more willing than to have others go beyond me again: which may the better appear by this, that I have propounded my opinions naked and unarmed, not seeking to preoccupate the liberty of men's judgments by confutations.

Seek first the virtues of the mind; and other things either will come, or will not be wanted.

For man seeketh in society comfort, use, and protection: and they be three wisdoms of divers natures, which do often sever: wisdom of the behaviour, wisdom of business, and wisdom of state.

Only charity admitteth no excess. For so we see, aspiring to be like God in power, the angels transgressed and fell.

The obliteration of the evil hath been practised by two means, some kind of redemption or expiation of that which is past, and an inception or account de novo for the time to come. But this part seemeth sacred and religious, and justly; for all good moral philosophy (as was said) is but a handmaid to religion.

We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do.

But men must know that in this theater of man's life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on.

They are ill discoverers that think there is no land, when they can see nothing but sea.

States as great engines move slowly.

Cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God.