Francis Bacon

Measure not dispatch by the time of sitting but by the advancement of business

The zeal which begins with hypocrisy must conclude in treachery, at first it deceives at last it betrays

Time is the measure of business.

Nakedness is uncomely as well in mind as body and it addeth no small reverence to men's manners and actions if they be not altogether open. Therefore set it down: That a habit of secrecy is both politic and moral.

If thou would'st have that stream of hard-earn'd knowledge of Wisdom heaven-born remain sweet running waters thou should'st not leave it to become a stagnant pond.

It is a secret both in nature and state that it is safer to change many things than one.

Age will not be defied.

I hold every man a debtor to his profession, from the which as men of course do seek to receive countenance and profit so ought they of duty to endeavour themselves by way of amends to be a help and ornament thereunto.

It cannot be denied that outward accidents conduce much to fortune favor opportunity death of others occasion fitting virtue, but chiefly the mold of a man's fortune is in his own hands

Mahomet made the people believe that he would call a hill to him and from the top of it offer up his prayers for the observers of his law. The people assembled. Mahomet called the hill to come to him again and again, and when the hill stood still he was never a whit abashed but said 'If the hill will not come to Mahomet Mahomet will go to the hill'.