Thomas Browne Quotes

160 Sourced Quotes

Tis hard to find a whole age to imitate, or what century to propose for example.

Thomas Browne
Medical Predictions fail not, as sometimes in acute Diseases, and wherein 'tis as dangerous to be sentenced by a Physician as a Judge.

Thomas Browne
Nor do they speak properly who say that time consumeth all things; for time is not effective, nor are bodies destroyed by it.

Thomas Browne
Be thou what thou singly art and personate only thyself. Swim smoothly in the stream of thy nature and live but one man.

Thomas Browne
I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.

Thomas Browne
There is nothing strictly immortal, but immortality. Whatever hath no beginning may be confident of no end.

Thomas Browne
Circles and right lines limit and close all bodies, and the mortal right-lined circle must conclude and shut up all.

Thomas Browne
He is like to be mistaken who makes choice of a covetous man for a friend, or relieth upon the reed of narrow and poltroon friendship. Pitiful things are only to be found in the cottages of such breasts; but bright thoughts, clear deeds, constancy, fidelity, bounty and generous honesty are the gems of noble minds, wherein (to derogate from none) the true, heroic English gentleman hath no peer.

Thomas Browne
For my part, I have ever believed, and do now know, that there are witches.

Thomas Browne
They do most by Books, who could do much without them, and he that chiefly owes himself unto himself, is the substantial Man.

Thomas Browne