Self-reflection is the school of wisdom.

Quit while you're ahead. All the best gamblers do.

Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself.

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

Share weight and woe, for misfortune falls with double force on him that stands alone.

A person of your century: Great persons are of their time. Not all were born into a period worthy of them, and many so born failed to benefit by it. Some merited a better century, for all that is good does not always triumph. Fashions have their periods and even the greatest virtues, their styles. But the philosopher, being ageless, has one advantage: Should this not prove the right century, many to follow will.

Some are satisfied to stand politely before the portals of Fortune and to await her bidding; better those who push forward, who employ their enterprise, who on the wings of their worth and valor seek to embrace luck, and to effectively gain her favor.