Quotes from Francis Bacon

Reasoning draws a conclusion, but does not make the conclusion certain, unless the mind discovers it by the path of experience.

Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.

Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other.

I do not believe that any man fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death.

He of whom many are afraid ought himself to fear many.

Nothing is terrible except fear itself.

Nothing is to be feared but fear itself. Nothing grievous but to yield to grief.

In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.

Nothing opens the heart like a true friend, to whom you may impart griefs, joys, fears, hopes...and whatever lies upon the heart.

The worst solitute is to be destitute of true friendship.

A man cannot speak to his son, but as a father; to his wife, but as a husband; to his enemy, but upon terms: whereas a friend may speak, as the case requires, and not as it sorteth with the person.

A principal fruit of friendship, is the ease and discharge of the fullness and swellings of the heart, which passions of all kinds do cause and induce.

The worst solitude is to have no real friendships.

The best preservative to keep the mind in health is the faithful admonition of a friend.

Those that lack friends to open themselves unto are cannibals of their own hearts.

Important families are like potatoes. The best parts are underground.

People have discovered that they can fool the devil; but they can't fool the neighbors.

Wives are young men's mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men's nurses.

I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.

Choose the life that is most useful, and habit will make it the most agreeable.

It is impossible to love and be wise.

For a crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love.

A man finds himself seven years older the day after his marriage.