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
Think not thy time short in this world, since the world itself is not long. The created world is but a small parenthesis in eternity, and a short interposition, for a time, between such a state of duration as was before it and may be after it.
We all labour against our own cure, for death is the cure of all diseases.
I love to lose myself in a mystery to pursue my reason to an O altitudo.
Things evidently false are not only printed, but many things of truth most falsely set forth.
Many-have too rashly charged the troops of error, and remain as trophies unto the enemies of truth.
He who discommendeth others obliquely commendeth himself (Christian morals).
Rich with the spoils of nature.
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.
The discourses of the table among true loving friends are held in strict silence.
To extend our memories by monuments, whose death we daily pray for, and whose duration we cannot hope, without injury to our expectations in the advent of the last day, were a contradiction to our belief.
There is nothing strictly immortal, but immortality. Whatever hath no beginning may be confident of no end.
How shall we expect charity towards others, when we are uncharitable to ourselves?
It is we that are blind, not fortune; because our eye is too dim to discern the mystery of her effects, we foolishly paint her blind, and hoodwink the providence of the Almighty.