1400 – 1600 CE
Rebirth of classical learning and humanist philosophy.
I quote others only in order the better to express myself.
— Michel de Montaigne
"I quote others only in order the better to express myself."
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.
"Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know."
A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.
— Francis Bacon
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."
On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.
"On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom."
Knowledge is power.
"Knowledge is power."
Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.
— Niccolo Machiavelli
"Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are."
If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin wit...
"If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be ..."
Never was anything great achieved without danger.
"Never was anything great achieved without danger."
The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the me..."
The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.
"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself."
Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
"Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great."
It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.
"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."