The great end of life is not knowledge but action. – Francis Bacon
Philosophers make imaginary laws for imaginary commonwealths, and their discourses are as the stars, which give little light because they are so high. – Francis Bacon
Certainly virtue is like precious odors, most fragrant when they are incensed, or crushed: for prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue. – Francis Bacon
Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study. – Francis Bacon