Thanne is it wysdom, as thynketh me,
To maken vertu of necessite,
And take it weel, that read more

Thanne is it wysdom, as thynketh me,
To maken vertu of necessite,
And take it weel, that we may not eschu,
And namely that that to us alle is due.

Necessity is a violent school-mistress.
[Fr., C'est une violente maistresse d'eschole que la necessite.]

Necessity is a violent school-mistress.
[Fr., C'est une violente maistresse d'eschole que la necessite.]

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Necessity is the mother of invention, it is true, but its father is creativity, and knowledge is the midwife

Necessity is the mother of invention, it is true, but its father is creativity, and knowledge is the midwife

We do what we must, and call it by the best names.

We do what we must, and call it by the best names.

Necessity is the mother of "taking chances"

Necessity is the mother of "taking chances"

Without death and decay, how could life go on?

Without death and decay, how could life go on?

No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To wage against the emnity o' th' air,
To read more

No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To wage against the emnity o' th' air,
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,
Necessity's sharp pinch.

So spake the Fiend, and with necessity,
The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish deed.

So spake the Fiend, and with necessity,
The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish deed.