The Wisdom of Bacon

• Reading makes a full man; conference a ready man and writing an exact man.

• Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is , some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly , and with diligence and attention.

• Libraries are as the shrines where all the realics of the ancient saints, full of true virtue, and that without delusion or imposture, are preserved and reposed.

• A man would do well to carry a pencil in his pocket and write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable and should besecured , becaused they seldom return.

• He conquers twice, who upon victory overcomes himself.

• If money be not your servant, it will be your master, The covetous man cannot so properly be said to possess wealth , as that may be said to possess him.

• Boldness is ever blind, for it sees not dangers and invonveniences. Therefore , it is ill in counsel , good in execution.

• In reading , we hold converse with the wise; in the business of life, generally with the foolish.

• Men must know , that in this theatre of man's life it is reserved only for God and the angels ot be lookers-on.