The hossanas of the multitude can never bring satisfaction to the discerning. Yet there exist those chamaleons of popularity who find their joy, not in the sweet breath of Apollo, but in the smell of the crowd. And not in mind: Do not be taken in by what are miracles to the populace, for the ignorant do not rise above marveling. Thus the stupidity of a crowd is lost in admiration, even as the brain of an individual uncovers the trick.

Words are feminine; deeds are masculine.

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

Cultivate those who can teach you.

Rate the intensive above the extensive. The perfect does not lie in quantity, but in quality.

To be at ease is better than to be at business. Nothing really belongs to us but time, which you have even if you have nothing else.

Do not make mistakes about character. Better be cheated in the price than in the quality of goods.