Nothing destroys authority more than the unequal and untimely interchange of power stretched too far and relaxed too much. – Francis Bacon
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. – Francis Bacon
If we begin with certainties, we shall end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, and are patient in them, we shall end in certainties. – Francis Bacon
Atheism leaves a man to sense, to philosophy, to natural piety, to laws, to reputation; all of which may be guides to an outward moral virtue, even if religion vanished; but religious superstition dismounts all these and erects an absolute monarchy in the minds of men. – Francis Bacon