All the Navel therefore and conjunctive part we can suppose in Adam, was his dependency on his Maker, and the connection he must needs have unto heaven, who was the Sonny of God. For holding no dependence on any preceding efficient but God; in the act of his production there may be conceived some connection, and Adam to have been in a moment all Navel with his Maker. And although from his carnality and corporal existence, the conjunction see meth no nearer than of causality and effect; yet in his immortal and diviner part he seemed to hold a nearer coherence, and an umbilical even with God himself. And so indeed although the propriety of this part be found but in some animals, and many species there are which have no Navel at all; yet is there one link and common connection, one general ligament, and necessary obligation of all whatever unto God. Whereby although they act themselves at distance, and seem to be at loose; yet doe they hold a continuity with their Maker. Which Carnation or conserving union when ever his pleasure shall divide, let GOE, or separate, they shall fall from their existence, essence, and operations; in brief, they must retire unto their primitive nothing, and shrink into that Chaos again.

— Thomas Browne

All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God.

— Thomas Browne

Be able to be alone. Lose not the advantage of solitude, and the society of thyself.

— Thomas Browne

But man is a Noble Animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave, solemnizing Nativities and Deaths with equal luster, nor omitting Ceremonies of bravery, in the infamy of his nature. Life is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible Sun within us.

— Thomas Browne

Death is the cure for all diseases.

— Thomas Browne

I am the happiest man alive. I have that in me that can convert poverty to riches, adversity to prosperity, and I am more invulnerable than Achilles; Fortune hath not one place to hit me.

— Thomas Browne

I can look a whole day with delight upon a handsome picture, though it is but of a horse.

— Thomas Browne

It is the common wonder of all men, how, among so many million faces, there should be none alike.

— Thomas Browne

Let age, not envy, draw wrinkles on thy cheeks.

— Thomas Browne

Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.

— Thomas Browne