Thomas Browne
Thomas Browne
Sir Thomas Brownewas an English polymath and author of varied works which reveal his wide learning in diverse fields including science and medicine, religion and the esoteric. Browne's writings display a deep curiosity towards the natural world, influenced by the scientific revolution of Baconian enquiry. Browne's literary works are permeated by references to Classical and Biblical sources as well as the idiosyncrasies of his own personality. Although often described as suffering from melancholia, his writings are also characterised by wit...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth19 October 1605
There are no grotesques in nature; not anything framed to fill up empty cantons, and unnecessary spaces.
I had rather stand the shock of a basilisk than the fury of a merciless pen.
Persecution is a bad and indirect way to plan religion.
It is we that are blind, not fortune.
Forcible ways make not an end of evil, but leave hatred and malice behind them.
I have loved my friends as I do virtue, my soul, my God.
Content may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.
He is rich who hath enough to be charitable.
Flattery is a juggler, and no kin unto sincerity.
We term sleep a death by which we may be literally said to die daily; in fine, so like death, I dare not trust it without my prayers.
Now with my friend I desire not to share or participate, but to engross his sorrows, that, by making them mine own, I may more easily discuss them; for in mine own reason, and within myself, I can command that which I cannot entreat without myself, and within the circle of another.
Think not silence the wisdom of fools; but, if rightly timed, the honor of wise men, who have not the infirmity, but the virtue of taciturnity.
Death hath a thousand doors to let out life. I shall find one.
I could never divide myself from any man upon the difference of an opinion, or be angry with his judgment for not agreeing with me in that from which perhaps within a few days I should dissent myself.