If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it.

It is wicked to withdraw from being useful to the needy, and cowardly to give way to the worthless.

Once you know who you are and to whom you are linked, you will know what to do

Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit.

And be silent for the most part, or else make only the most necessary remarks, and express these in few words. But rarely, and when occasion requires you to talk, talk, indeed, but about no ordinary topics. Do not talk about gladiators, or horseraces, or athletes, or things to eat or drink - topics that arise on all occasions; but above all, do not talk about people, either blaming, or praising, or comparing them.

Consider first the nature of the business in hand; then examine thy own nature, whether thou hast strength to undertake it.

Avoid banquets which are given by strangers an ignorant persons. But if there is ever occasion to join them, let your attention be carefully fixed, that you slip not into the manner of the vulgar (the uninstructed).