It is better not to proceed at all than to proceed without purpose.

Those who make virtue their profession are the ruin of virtue.

What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others.

There are three things against which the wise man guards: lust when young, quarrels when strong, and covetousness when old.

Clever talk can confound the workings of virtue, just as small impatiences can confound great projects.

It was by music that the ancient kings gave elegant expression to their joy. By their armies and axes they gave the same to their anger.

Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.