Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.

A father who is a chronic debtor, an adulterous mother, a beautiful wife, and an unlearned son are enemies in one's own home.

In trans-border relations, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies or even permanent borders. There are only permanent interests and everything should be done to secure these interests.

Generosity, pleasing address, courage and propriety of conduct are not acquired, but are inbred qualities.

Sinfully acquired wealth may remain for ten years; in the eleventh year it disappears with even the original stock.

He who shall practice these twenty virtues shall become invincible in all his undertakings.

Union in privacy (with one's wife); boldness; storing away useful items; watchfulness; and not easily trusting others; these five things are to be learned from a crow.