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.

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; adversity not without many comforts and hopes.

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; adversity not without many comforts and hopes.

Words, as a Tartar's bow, do not shoot back upon the
understanding of the wisest, and mightily entangle and read more

Words, as a Tartar's bow, do not shoot back upon the
understanding of the wisest, and mightily entangle and pervert
the judgment.

Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new read more

Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business.

A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.

A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.