Francis Bacon

The human understanding is no dry light, but receives infusion from the will and affections; which proceed sciences which may read more

The human understanding is no dry light, but receives infusion from the will and affections; which proceed sciences which may be called "sciences as one would." For what a man had rather were true he more readily believes. Therefore he rejects difficult things from impatience of research; sober things, because they narrow hope; the deeper things of nature, from superstition; the light of experience, from arrogance and pride; things not commonly believed, out of deference to the opinion of the vulgar. Numberless in short are the ways, and sometimes imperceptible, in which the affections color and infect the understanding.

We cannot command nature except by obeying her.

We cannot command nature except by obeying her.

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes, and Adversity
is not without comforts and hopes.

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes, and Adversity
is not without comforts and hopes.

Judges ought to be more learned than witty, more reverend than
plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all read more

Judges ought to be more learned than witty, more reverend than
plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all things,
integrity is their portion and proper virtue.

Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak
agreeably to him with whom we deal is more read more

Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak
agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good
words or in good order.