Man is born a barbarian, and only raises himself above the beast by culture.

Fortunate people often have very favorable beginnings and very tragic endings. What matters isn't being applauded when you arrive - for that is common - but being missed when you leave.

Know how to choose well. Most of life depends thereon. It needs good taste and correct judgment, for which neither intellect nor study suffices.

To oblige people often costs little and helps much.

Know what is evil, no matter how worshipped it may be. Let the man of sense not mistake it, even when clothed in brocade, or at times crowned in gold, because it cannot thereby hide its hypocrisy, for slavery does not lose its infamy, however noble the master.

Keep expectation alive. Keep stirring it up. Let much promise more, and great deeds herald greater.

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