The more merit, the less affection.

Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance.

Self-reflection is the school of wisdom.

There are rules to luck, not everything is chance for the wise; luck can be helped by skill.

Knowing how to keep a friend is more important than gaining a new one.

True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.

Even monarchs have need of authors, and fear their pens more than ugly women the painter's pencil.