The things we remember best are those better forgotten.

Do not commit yourself to anybody or anything, for that is to be a slave, a slave to every man Above all, keep yourself free of commitments and obligations - they are the device of another to get you into his power

Know how to use evasion. That is how smart people get out of difficulties.

Don't express your ideas too clearly. Most people think little of what they understand, and venerate what they do not.

If you are wise, live as you can; if you cannot, live as you would.

The sage never seems to know his own merits, for only by not noticing them can you call others' attention to them.

Nothing arouses ambition so much in the heart as the trumpet-clang of another's fame.