But the writing in Aphorisms hath many excellent virtues, whereto the writing in Method doth not approach. For first, it trieth the writer, whether he be superficial or solid: for Aphorisms, except they should be rediculous, cannot be made but of the pith and heart of sciences; for discourse of illustration is cut off; recitals of examples are cut off; discourse of connection and order is cut off; descriptions of practice are cut off … So there remaineth nothing to fill the Aphorism but some good quantity of observation: and therefore no man can suffice, nor in reason will attempt, to write Aphorisms, but he that is sound and grounded … Secondly, Methods are more fit to win consent or belief, but less fit to point to action … And, lastly, Aphorisms, representing a knowledge broken, do invite men to inquire farther; whereas Methods, carrying the show of a total, do secure men, as if they were at furthest.
Francis Bacon, The Advancement of Learning, 1605
If the doors of perception were cleansed
Every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.