Quote#Wisdom
I could be content that we might procreate like trees, without…
Quote byThomas Browne · 1605–1682
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Part II, Section 9.
English (original)
I could be content that we might procreate like trees, without conjunction, or that there were any way to perpetuate the world without this trivial and vulgar act of coition; It is the foolishest act a wise man commits in all his life, nor is there anything that will more deject his cooled imagination, when he shall consider what an odd and unworthy piece of folly he hath committed.
— Thomas Browne
More from Thomas Browne
I could never divide myself from any man upon the difference of an opinion, or be angry with his judgement for not agreeing with me in that, from which perhaps within a few days I should dissent myself.
Thus is man that great and true Amphibium, whose nature is disposed to live not only like other creatures in diverse elements, but in divided and distinguished worlds.
Who will not commend the wit of astrology? Venus, born out of the sea, hath her exaltation in Pisces.
When we desire to confine our words, we commonly say they are spoken under the rose.
Persecution is a bad and indirect way to plant Religion.
A man may be in as just possession of Truth as of a City, and yet be forced to surrender.