English Philosopher, Essayist, Statesman There is as much difference between the counsel that a friend giveth, and that a man giveth himself, as there is between the counsel of a friend and of a flatterer. For there is no such flatterer as is a man's self. I had rather believe all the Fables in the Legend, and the Talmud, and the Alcoran, than that this universal frame is without a Mind.
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. I do not believe that any man fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death. The great advantages of simulation and dissimulation are three. First to lay asleep opposition and to surprise. For where a man's intentions are published, it is an alarum to call up all that are against them.