Idleness is a great enemy to mankind. There is no friend like energy, for, if you cultivate that, it will never fail.

A good man may fall, but he falls like a ball [and rebounds]; the ignoble man falls like a lump of clay.

Those from whom we were born have long since departed, and those with whom we grew up exist only in memory. We, too, through the approach of death, become, as it were, trees growing on the sandy bank of a river.

Kindness can turn the bad man's heart, and fools convert to wise, Make poison into nectar-juice, and friends of enemies.

Trees bend low with ripened fruit; clouds hang down with gentle rain; noble people bow graciously. This is the way of generous things.

Let us keep a firm grip upon our money, for without it the whole assembly of virtues are but as blades of grass.

The good man shuns evil and follows good; he keeps secret that which ought to be hidden; he makes his virtues manifest to all; he does not forsake one in adversity; he gives in season: such are the marks of a worthy friend.