Hear, see, and be silent.

The wise have a solid sense of silence and the ability to keep a storehouse of secrets. Their capacity and character are respected.

The true way is the middle one, halfway between deserving a place and pushing oneself into it.

The passions are the humors of the mind, and the least excess sickens our judgment. If the disease spreads to the mouth, your reputation will be in danger.

Dreams will get you nowhere, a good kick in the pants will take you a long way.

A gilded No is more satisfactory than a dry Yes.

You can cultivate taste, as you can the intellect. Full understanding whets the appetite and desire, and, later, sharpens the enjoyment of possession.