There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind, and there is no happiness equal to contentment; there is no disease like covetousness, and no virtue like mercy.

He who lives in our mind is near though he may actually be far away; but he who is not in our heart is far though he may really be nearby.

He who is prepared for the future and he who deals cleverly with any situation that may arise are both happy; but the fatalistic man who wholly depends on luck is ruined.

Good behavior wins even an enemy.

Do not put your trust in rivers, men who carry weapons, beasts with claws or horns, women, and members of a royal family.

A wise man should marry a virgin of a respectable family even if she is deformed. He should not marry one of a low-class family, through beauty. Marriage in a family of equal status is preferable.

He shall despise none, but hear the opinions of all. A wise man shall make use of even a child's sensible utterance.