Attain and maintain a reputation, for it is the usufruct of fame. A stiff climb, for it is the issue of excellence, as rare as mediocrity is common.

To keep is more important than to make friends.

The sage has one advantage: he is immortal. If this is not his century, many others will be.

Everything foreign is respected, partly because it comes from afar, partly because it is ready made and perfect.

The happy are an exception who enjoy innocently their simple happiness.

There are certain inessential activities-moths of precious time-and it is worse to busy yourself with the trivial than to do nothing.

Luck can be assisted. It is not all chance with the wise.