We cannot command Nature except by obeying her.

— Francis Bacon

We gave ourselves for lost men, and prepared for death. Yet we did lift our hearts and voices to God above, who "showed His wonders in the deep".

— Francis Bacon

We gave ourselves for lost men, and prepared for death. Yet we did lift our hearts and voices to God above, who "showed His wonders in the deep"; beseeching Him of His mercy, that as in the beginning He discovered the face of the deep, and brought forth dry land, so He would now discover land to us, that we might not perish.

— Francis Bacon

We see then how far the monuments of wit and learning are more durable than the monuments of power, or of the hands. For have not some books continued twenty-five hundred years or more, without the loss of a syllable or letter; during which time infinite palaces, temples, castles, and cities have been decayed and demolished?

— Francis Bacon

Where a man cannot fitly play his own part; if he has not a friend, he may quit the stage.

— Francis Bacon

Who ever is out of patience is out of possession of their soul.

— Francis Bacon

Wise men make more opportunities than they find.

— Francis Bacon

Wives are young men's mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men's nurses.

— Francis Bacon

Wonder is the seed of knowledge

— Francis Bacon

Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.

— Francis Bacon